ALBANY — The New York State Board of Elections determined on Thursday morning in Albany that an independent nominating petition for the 'Lower Costs Now' ballot line submitted by Blake Gendebien is invalid due to an insufficient number of valid signatures. Gendebien, who has secured the Democratic nomination for Congress in New York's 21st Congressional District, had sought to establish the independent line for the general election and submitted 3,801 signatures. Five voters filed objections arguing that some signatures belonged to individuals who had signed petitions for other candidates, were not residents of the district, or were not registered to vote.

The Board of Elections invalidated 563 of the submitted signatures, leaving Gendebien with 3,238 valid signatures. New York law requires candidates to obtain 3,500 valid signatures for an independent nominating petition to be considered valid. As a result of the ruling, Gendebien will appear on the Democratic party line in the November general election but will not be listed on the 'Lower Costs Now' line.

In a statement regarding the decision, Gendebien said, "It's clear my opponent is worried about the momentum we're building." He added, "Instead of making his case to voters, he's turning to legal challenges in an attempt to stop our campaign." Gendebien also stated, "I'm focused on lowering costs, protecting rural healthcare, securing our border and earning the trust of voters across upstate and the north country. This campaign has always been powered by hardworking people across the north country and upstate New York, not bankrolled by a millionaire trying to buy an election."

Gendebien's opponent in the NY-21 race is Anthony T. Constantino, who will appear on the Republican line and the 'Taxpayer Rights' party independent line in November. Assemblyman Robert J. Smullen previously lost the Republican nomination to Constantino but is slated to appear on the Conservative party line. Smullen has until Friday to decline this party line.

Why It Matters

The Board of Elections' decision affects how Gendebien will appear on the ballot for the November general election in New York's 21st Congressional District. The invalidation of his independent petition means he will not have the 'Lower Costs Now' line, limiting his presence to the Democratic party line.