Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Across the nation, counties are certifying the 2020 Election and in Erie County the process is now official as the Erie County Board of Elections have announced certification of the vote following a full canvass.
"This has been an unprecedented year for the Erie County Board of Elections," said Commissioner Ralph Mohr. "Logistically and practically, this has been the hardest election season I have witnessed in nearly 30 years at the Board."
"The challenges presented by a pandemic during a presidential election were formidable, but our responsibility to administer a fair and open election process was not diminished by circumstances," Commissioner Jeremy Zellner said.
The results will be transmitted to the New York State Board of Elections in Albany, which will complete certifications for those elections that include counties other than Erie: the 26th and 27th congressional districts, the Eighth Judicial District, the 61st state Senate District, and the 140th Assembly District.
A total of 476,787 ballots were cast in Erie County. That includes nine days of early voting and 85,312 absentees, which were available to all registered voters as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and through an executive order issued by Governor Cuomo.
There were also 4,641 valid affidavits included in the final count. Affidavits are provided for voters who believe they are eligible to take part in an election but whose name may not appear in the official poll book used on election day.
