ODC Press Releases

Clarkstown, OrangetoWn, and Stony Point Endorse Pascale Jean-Gilles for Democratic Commissioner of Elections

The Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Stony Point Democratic Committees have overwhelmingly endorsed Pascale Jean-Gilles for Rockland County Democratic Commissioner of Elections.

Ms. Jean-Gilles was born and raised in Nyack, graduated from Nyack public schools, and holds a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law. She has served as law clerk, staff to several New York State legislators, and as president of the Rockland County Young Democrats. In 2022, she was elected Trustee in the Village of Nyack. If appointed by the Rockland County legislature, Jean-Gilles would be the highest-ranking Haitian American in Rockland County government.

Per NYS election law, Democratic and Republican Commissioners of Elections are appointed by the County Legislature based on recommendations from their respective party committees. With the retirement of current Democratic Commissioner Kathy Pietanza, whose term ends at the end of 2024, Rockland County Democratic Committee members will vote in September to recommend a replacement for appointment by the County Legislature.

Liza Barrie, chair of the Orangetown Democrats, emphasized, “This position must remain free from the appearance of nepotism and backroom deals. It is crucial to have a Commissioner of Elections with unparalleled integrity, responsiveness to the public, and the vision and fortitude to conduct secure elections. Pascale Jean-Gilles is a strong leader and would make an outstanding Board of Elections Commissioner.”

According to Pete Reilly, chair of the Stony Point Democrats, “The Board of Elections Commissioner is not a clerk’s position. It’s a four-year appointment that requires a deep understanding of election law and proactive efforts to increase voter registration, participation, and confidence. Along with all the members of the Stony Point Democratic Committee, I wholeheartedly endorse Pascale.”

Monica Ferguson, Chair of the Clarkstown Democratic Committee, stated, “The importance of having a commissioner who is trained in interpreting the law cannot be overstated. Legal attacks on candidatesand procedures from those looking to limit choice are persistent in elections. Pascale Jean-Gilles' experience puts her at a distinct advantage as a defender of ballot access.”

Pascale Jean-Gilles has a proven track record of service to the Democratic Party through her years on the staffs of Assembly Member Ellen Jaffee, NYS Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, and as Chief of Staff for NYS Assemblymember Mary Jane Shimsky. Her education and experiences volunteering alongside Rockland Dems through numerous election cycles, as well as running for office herself, underscore her exceptional qualifications to serve all communities in Rockland as Commissioner of Elections.

Together, the Democratic and Republican Commissioners of Elections are responsible for an annual budget of over $6 million, recruiting and training diverse staff, maintaining polling equipment and systems, supervising polling sites and workers, encouraging voter participation, and safeguarding voting integrity in compliance with state election law.