KINGSTON, NY — The Ulster County Democratic Committee endorsed Pramilla Malick for state senate on August 25 for the 42nd Senate District, an office currently held by Sen. John Bonacic.

Previously, Malick was endorsed by the Democratic Committees of Sullivan, Delaware and Orange counties.

“I’m grateful for the outpouring of support I’ve received, and I look forward to giving the people of our region something that they haven’t had for a very long time—a choice, as well as a full and frank discussion of the issues that impact their everyday lives,” Malick said.

Malick will be able to run if she receives enough valid write-in votes in the Democratic primary on September 13, which might be a bit more complicated than it seems.

The absentee ballot being used, which can be filled in by any registered Sullivan County Democrat in person at the board of elections office during business hours through September 12, is different from the one that will be used on primary day.

On the absentee ballot, the name of the write-in candidate must appear below the word “Democratic,” in the box at the bottom of the column headed by the name of the office (State Senator, in this case). Names that are written in the box beside the word “Democratic” will not be counted.

On the ballot at the polls on primary day, only the name written in the box next to “Write-in” will be counted. Names written in the upper box next to “Democratic” will not be counted.

To confuse matters further, Sen. John Bonacic has sent mailings to some Democrats urging them to write in his name, even though he is not a Democrat.