Key New York congressional race disrupted by bizarre voting machine glitch on Election Day
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK: A voting machine glitch disrupted Election Day in Westchester County on Tuesday, November 3, leaving paper ballots rejected and voters facing long lines as a closely watched congressional race hung in the balance.
The issue affected the battle between Republican Rep Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley in New York's 17th congressional district. With the seat among four key races that could decide control of the House, the setback raised concerns about when the results would be known.
Lawler assured voters that every ballot would be counted, saying a bipartisan team would oversee the process.
Rep. Mike Lawler addressed voting machine problems in Westchester County, where ballots were rejected because of their paper thickness. He said ballots already cast will be secured in emergency orange bags. After 9 p.m., police will escort the bags to the Board of Elections for counting. The ballots will not be opened at polling sites.
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 3, 2026
Mike Lawler promises every ballot will be counted
Speaking to reporters in Rockland County, Lawler said the rejected ballots would be transported after 9 pm in emergency orange bags to the Board of Elections in White Plains. Attorneys from both campaigns would be present when the ballots were opened and processed.
"Every vote is going to be counted, and it's going to be counted tonight," Lawler said.
He also insisted there would be no room for doubts about the process, adding, "There be no question, there be no conspiracy theory, and every vote is counted. To me, that is paramount."
With a judge's approval, voters could also use ADA-compliant machines updated with the correct Election Day system. Conley had earlier reassured voters in a social media post, writing, "every vote is being counted!"
The technical issue with scanners at polling locations in Westchester County will not prevent you from voting or from your vote being counted. I voted earlier today in Westchester and it was quick and easy! Polls in Westchester County and across NY-17 are open and operational. If you are in line by 9PM, your vote will be counted. Please get out there and vote! Make your voice heard! Find your polling place: https://t.co/6FKR3qHLVt
— Cait Conley (@CaitforNewYork) November 3, 2026
Westchester officials explain what caused the voting machine glitch
The county Board of Elections initially blamed the rejected ballots on their paper "thickness." However, the state Board of Elections later said the problem was caused by an update to the county's election programming after the machines had already undergone initial preparation and testing.
The update had been required for early voting in one municipality, while the rest of the county continued using the original programming. As a result, the machines failed to recognize and accept the ballots being used on Election Day.
Westchester officials said they were deploying the correct media to restore scanning capabilities at least one machine in every polling location. Ballots rejected earlier were placed in designated orange emergency bags and were not allowed to leave polling sites before 9 pm.
State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs said Republicans and Democrats were cooperating to resolve the issue.
"There's a glitch in Westchester. The good news is that Democrats and Republicans are working well together to make sure everyone's vote gets counted and gets counted in a timely manner," he said.
NY-17 race could have major implications for House control
The 17th congressional district includes all of Putnam and Rockland counties, part of Dutchess County and an upper portion of Westchester. The district is one of four key New York races that could help determine which party controls the House.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins called for an investigation, saying he had directed county officials, including the law department, to monitor the process and ensure voters could cast their ballots without interference.
The glitch also raised concerns among voters. George Brown, 77, a former Mount Vernon city clerk, said the situation made him wonder whether someone with money had played a role.
Etoya Williams, 48, also expressed doubts about the rejected ballots. "I don't trust it," she said, adding that she wanted her ballot to be placed in a machine rather than an orange bag.
The delay could also complicate the final result if the race is close. Democratic consultant Jake Dilemani said the losing campaign could seek an investigation or recount to ensure every vote was included.
Depending on the margin, he warned, the process could take weeks and potentially end up in court. Meanwhile, Republican strategist Bill O'Reilly said the incident risked further damaging public confidence in the voting system, with some voters potentially leaving without casting their ballots.
