POUGHKEEPSIE – The primary battle for the Working Families ballot line between incumbent Dutchess County Family Court Judge Denise Watson, a Republican, and her Democratic challenger, Rachel Saunders, will be decided by absentee ballots. Tuesday’s primary results have Saunders leading by two votes, 74-72.
The unofficial results posted by the Dutchess County Board of Elections include votes cast on June 22 as well as votes registered during the early voting timeframe.
State election law requires the counting of paper ballots to begin seven to 10 days after primary day. The Dutchess County BOE will begin canvassing the paper ballots on Tuesday, June 29, at 10 a.m.
Saunders received the endorsement of the Working Families Party, but Judge Watson submitted signatures of registered party members to force the primary. “I took seriously my role as the only candidate for Dutchess County Family Court Judge endorsed by the Working Families Party and spent the last weeks and months talking to Working Families Party voters, discussing our shared values.” The attorney remained optimistic that her lead will remain. “The primary election results will not be finalized until after June 29th when all of the absentee ballots must be received by the Dutchess County Board of Elections,” she said.
Judge Watson responded to an inquiry from Mid-Hudson News about Tuesday’s results, saying, “I appreciate all the support from the voters. It’s a very close race and I’m going to be reserving any further comments until the primary results are official.” When asked about the outstanding ballots, Watson said, “I would defer to the Board of Elections to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information.”
