An investigation found wrongdoing, although the East Windsor Regional School District referendum results will stand.
By: Chris Karmiol
An election board investigation into a violation of election laws by the East Windsor Regional School District first called by an election board official "much ado about a small mistake" and then upgraded by the same official to "a serious matter" was completed last week.
The outcome of that investigation was that the violation was indeed a small mistake, but a violation nonetheless.
The results of the election have been certified, however, and will not be affected by the investigation result.
According to a complaint filed by a Hightstown resident after the special school election Sept. 24, in which voters decided to pass a referendum allowing the district to borrow money to build additions on its schools, pro-referendum posters were prominently displayed next to voting booths at Hightstown High School during voting hours.
The posters, which were made by the school district’s architectural firm, the Prisco Group, to inform the public of the then pending school plans read: "Everyone Benefits! Something For Everyone! How Will You Benefit?"
Dominick Magnolo, chairman of the Mercer County Board of Elections, first called the violation a "small mistake" but later said it was "serious."
Mr. Magnolo said the posters, which had been displayed at all six of the district’s schools for several weeks prior to the election, should have been removed when the polls opened.
According to the Hightstown resident who filed the complaint, posters were prominently displayed at the voting booth when he went to cast his vote at 6:30 p.m. The complainant said that those posters could have swayed voters’ opinions before they entered voting booths.
William Roesch, principal of Hightstown High School, told election officials that the posters were at the voting booths when polls opened, but when he left the building at 3:30 p.m. they had been turned backwards on their easels.
"It’s after the fact," explained Dulcy Ricciani, Mercer County’s superintendent of elections. "Had the complaint come out that day we would have been out there immediately. If there’s any improprieties at a polling place, whether it be campaign literature signs for or against, then I should be notified."
Ms. Ricciani said that she is the chief law enforcement official for all county elections.
She said that the posters were inappropriate and that all parties involved, from school district officials to polling workers, would be informed of the violation to stop it from happening in the future.
A copy of Ms. Ricciani’s report was sent to the office of the attorney general, but no further action was taken. Results of the special election were certified on Oct. 7.