Special Election Called in Nassau County's 12th Legislative District

The sudden death of Legis. Peter Schmitt, R-Massapequa, has left a void in many in the Nassau County Legislature.

Republicans are without a Majority Leader and the legislature will be without a presiding officer. 

Finally, his constituents in the Massapequas and parts of Seaford are without a representative in the Nassau County Legislature.

The lawmaking body is now deadlocked with nine Democrats, nine Republicans and one empty seat.

Officials are moving quickly to fill that seat and County Executive Ed Mangano has called a special election in order to do just that. It will be held on election day, Nov. 6.

That leaves very little time for parties to come up with candidates. They must file a certificate of nomination by Monday and candidates have two days to accept the nomination. 

A spokeswoman for Nassau County Democrats said Tuesday that they will name a candidate over the next few days, while a spokesman for Nassau County Republicans indicated that they'll name a candidate near the end of the week.

Military ballots have to be mailed out on Oct. 25 and have to be printed up, but Bonnie Garone, the Chief Clerk of the Nassau County Board of Elections, says that they'll get to work on printing ballots.

"If that's what we have to do, we'll do it," she said.

Mail registration for residents of the 12th legislative district must be postmarked by Oct. 12 and received by Oct. 20. In person registration or hand delivered voter registration must be done by Oct. 26.