By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The absentee ballots in the Democratic primary race for 144th New York State Assembly District were impounded Thursday by State Supreme Court Justice Joseph R. Glownia. The latest count of the votes between incumbent Sam Hoyt and Joseph Golombek has narrowed Hoyt's lead to a 167-vote margin.
The tally of a recount was announced by the Erie County Board of Elections sometime after the judge ordered the absentee ballots impounded. 408-absentee ballots remain uncounted. Golombek conceded the race Tuesday night to Hoyt whose lead by the original count was 253 votes.
Golombek is seeking a recount. He claims widespread voting irregularities. The judge ordered elections officials to come before him next Thursday to discuss handling of the absentee ballots.