(Pictured: Jeffrey Teluk, Principal of WNY P-TECH, along with Chautauqua County Commissioners of Elections Luz Torres and Nacole Ellis, announce a new partnership designating the P-TECH Academy as a polling site.)
DUNKIRK, N.Y. —The Chautauqua County Board of Elections is proud to announce a new partnership with Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) for the use of Western New York P-TECH STEM College and Career Academy as a polling site in the City of Dunkirk. This new polling site, located at 55 E. Benton St., will be assigned to voters who had previously voted at the St. Hedwig’s Social Center from Blessed Mary Angela parish.
“We are extremely excited to partner with WNY P-TECH. This partnership signifies a sense of community involvement and empowerment. By voting at a local educational institution, voters can feel more connected to their community and its future," said Commissioner of Elections Nacole Ellis. "By collaborating with E2CCB, the Board of Elections is able to provide a convenient and familiar venue for voters and it fosters a sense of pride and responsibility. Additionally, the partnership underscores a commitment to community engagement and civic responsibility."
The switch to utilizing WNY P-TECH as a polling location comes on the heels of the Diocese of Buffalo's decision to sell Blessed Mary Angela buildings in Dunkirk.
“When we learned of the Diocese's decision, we immediately started preparing for the possibility that these sites would no longer be available. Finding new poll sites can be a challenging task due to a variety of factors," added Commissioner of Elections Luz Torres. "Suitable locations must be accessible to all voters, comply with ADA requirements, and have adequate space for voting equipment and personnel. Additionally, the new sites must be strategically located to ensure they are convenient for the community they serve, minimizing disruption and confusion for voters."
"We believe that by actively ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot, and by demonstrating collaboration among local organizations to support the voting process, we can encourage increased civic engagement and participation in governance," says both Commissioner Torres and Commissioner Ellis.
WNY Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) is a program that allows students to gain first-hand knowledge in high-skill, high-demand jobs in Welding, Machining, CAD/Design, and Mechatronics while earning their Regents High School Diploma. Students also earn a no-cost-to-the-student Associate Degree in their chosen career path from Jamestown Community College.
“We are proud to partner with the Board of Elections to both provide the community a place to participate in democracy by casting their ballot in the elections that change the landscape of our daily lives and to help our students understand the importance of being civic-minded,” noted Jeffrey Teluk, WNY P-TECH principal.
Voters will be notified of this change in May, during the annual yellow Mail Check cards. Signage will also be placed at St. Hedwig’s to direct voters to the new poll site location. For more information about WNY P-TECH visit www.e2ccb.org.
