Dropbox to be available for absentee ballots

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

Over the past few days, we have received word that many registered voters have received their absentee ballots for the annual school budget vote and Board of Education member election. We are hopeful that any remaining outstanding ballots should be in your mailboxes today. Any registered voter who did not receive their ballot by Thursday morning (June 4) should contact District Clerk Millie Bonilla, who can provide assistance.  

When the Governor first announced that this vote/election would be held by absentee ballot only, it was determined that asking voters to return ballots by mail was the safest method given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the area and concerns about ensuring social distancing. That being said, given Westchester's recent beginning of Phase 1 under the state's reopening plan and the shortened timeline many are now facing to return their ballots, we have decided, upon consultation with legal counsel, to provide a dropbox at which residents can return ballots. The dropbox will be located outside of the main entrance of Pelham Memorial High School, 575 Colonial Avenue, and be available between 9am and 5pm on Friday, June 5, Monday, June 8, and Tuesday, June 9. As a reminder ballots must be received by the district no later than 5pm on Tuesday, June 9. We believe this step will remove barriers to voting and ensure that ballots are returned in a timely fashion. 

Please keep in mind that all ballots, including those returned via the dropbox, MUST be enclosed in the envelope marked "Election Materials Please Expedite, Official Ballot, Absentee Voter" with the Statement of Absentee Voter signed and dated. Please be sure to follow all instructions listed on the ballot, which may also be viewed on the District website. 

Finally, we ask that any voter who seeks to use the dropbox be mindful of others and adhere to social distancing guidelines, including wearing a mask and keeping six feet apart from others. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Dr. Champ

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Social Distancing Guidelines

• Stay home as much as possible, even if you feel healthy
• Refrain from congregating in groups and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others
• Refrain from social gatherings, playdates and sleepovers with friends
• Do not visit public playgrounds
• Use caution when visiting grocery stores/pharmacies and consider delivery services for food and groceries.
• When maintaining social distancing is not possible, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or mask when you leave home. 
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

Contact Information for Social Workers and Student Assistance Counselor

Our social workers and student assistance counselor continue to be available to support those who are experiencing hardships and need assistance. Please feel free to contact: 

• Kristin Quintano, Social Worker, 914-738-3434 x1295
• Sharon Charles, Social Worker, 914-738-8190 x1218
• Kelley-Anne Lonergan, Student Assistance Counselor, 914-738-8182

Information on Community Organizations Offering Assistance 

Additionally, organizations such as Pelham Together, the Junior League of Pelham and our faith community have offered their assistance with those families with a variety of needs, including food, child care, and other demands of day-to-day life. The Pelham Civic Association is also available for families that have fallen on hard times due to this pandemic. Please feel free to reach out in confidentiality for potential assistance to Richard Davidian, Vice President, Community programs at Richard.Davidian1@gmail.com (914-552-0872) or Dr. Stan Trocchia, Chairman, Good Neighbors program Goodneighbors@pelhamcivics.org.