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North Castle Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Ward System Proposal

NORTH CASTLE, N.Y. -- Voters in North Castle overwhelmingly said no to switching the town council to a ward system.

A sign advocating no on the ward vote.

A sign advocating no on the ward vote.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Residents supporting the ward vote said it would lead to more equal representation.

Residents supporting the ward vote said it would lead to more equal representation.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
The North Castle Town Board would've added two members had the vote passed.

The North Castle Town Board would've added two members had the vote passed.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

More than 85 percent of voters voted no to the ward referendum, 2,286 votes to 399 votes, according to unofficial results from the Town of North Castle.

Voters also voted against increasing the number of councilmen from four to six, 2,228 votes to 442 votes.

Under the ward system, council members would have been elected based on geographic districts. Currently, they are elected at large. 

The referendum overwhelmingly failed in Armonk, with only 91 residents voting for it and 1,806 residents voting against it. In Banksville, 354 residents voted no to 50 residents voting yes.

Voters of North White Plains supported the ward system, with 258 yes votes to 126 no votes. Tony Futia, a North White Plains resident, submitted the petition establishing the election.

The proposals have been criticized by residents who argue the ward system would be divisive. Proponents have argued that a ward system would be beneficial for representation.

Town Clerk Anne Curran said the election cost the town "in the neighborhood of $50,000."

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