Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was over before it began. There is no drama surrounding the presidential primaries in New York and four other states Tuesday.
"It's like a beauty contest without a real prize," said Erie County Republican Elections Commissioner Ralph Mohr on WBEN on Tuesday.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have already received enough delegates in other states to be presumptive nominees.
Still, no matter the turnout, voters in the state can still head to the polls until 9 p.m. ET to cast their preferences in presidential primaries.
There's been a number of efforts by the state legislature over the past 30 years to try to make New York State be more relevant in the process. The state used to hold their primary even later in April. It didn't matter then and it doesn't matter now.
What is the cost of holding this presidential primary, including eight days of early voting? Brace yourself.
"We estimate the cost of this election to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $850,000," said Mohr. "It's a significant cost to the taxpayers."
Local taxpayers have to foot the bill, which includes early voting, absentee ballots, overtime, and costs associated with conducting Tuesday's presidential primaries.
Mohr wants the state legislature to take a hard look, at situations like this, when votes don't have a real application, at either canceling the election or limiting the voting times.
He called it a tremendous financial burden and when multiplied across the rest of the state, he added it is something to take note of.
There are four candidates on the ballot on the Republican primary. Donald Trump, Chris Christie, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy. On the Democratic side, President Biden, Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson appear on the ballot.
Voting is happening Tuesday from 6 a.m. ET through 9 p.m. ET at all regular voting locations in Erie County.
Related
