Hochul, James launch nonpartisan efforts to safeguard voting rights and public safety in Presidential Elections

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James on Monday provided an update on nonpartisan efforts to protect voting rights and public safety across New York State during the 2024 elections.

Hochul said those efforts include statewide, multi-agency resources to combat misinformation and respond to any impediments to voting.

“As New Yorkers cast their ballots, we are taking every measure necessary to ensure the sanctity of the democratic process so that everyone can have their voice heard,” Gov. Hochul said. “In partnership with Attorney General James and law enforcement across the state, we have established tools and protections to secure the right of all citizens to participate in this election — and we will always stand up to defend those rights against those who threaten them.”

James said, “New York has a long history of free and fair elections, and this year is no different. My office has been preparing for months for a safe and smooth election process, and we will continue to do everything in our power to defend New Yorkers’ fundamental right to vote.

“I am grateful to Gov. Hochul and our partners at every level of government and law enforcement who are working with my office to ensure every New Yorker knows their rights and is protected as they cast their vote this election,” she added. “If you have any issues at the polls or casting your vote, please contact my office’s Election Protection Hotline.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York’s elections are and will remain safe and secure. Every New Yorker should get out there and vote between now and Election Day. For details on how to vote including polling locations and the hours polling places are open, please contact the State Board of Elections and your local County Board of Elections for good, trusted sources of election information or visit www.elections.ny.gov.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “In America, voting is one of our most cherished rights. The New York State Police recognizes that it is important to protect the sanctity and integrity of that privilege. I thank Governor Hochul and the Attorney General’s Office for their support so we can proactively protect our infrastructure and make voting a safe process for all New Yorkers.”

Election Day will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting began on Saturday, Oct. 26 and will take place through Sunday, Nov. 3. Voters can find their early voting and election day polling locations online.

Hochul said the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)’s Election Protection Hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters from Saturday, Oct. 26 through Wednesday, Nov. 6. New Yorkers can contact the Election Protection Hotline by either calling (866) 390-2992 or submitting a complaint online.

The governor said New York State elections are administered by bipartisan county or city boards of elections across the state and supported by the bipartisan New York State Board of Elections.

Hochul and James on Monday reminded New Yorkers that the State Board of Elections and county boards of election across the state are the best sources for factual and real-time information about elections and voting in New York State.

They warned voters to be aware of potentially false or misleading election-related content, which can be used to create confusion and distrust in voting systems and processes, particularly when spread on social media platforms.

Hochul and James said this may be in the form of false images created by artificial intelligence, or simply incorrect information shared by peers.

The governor said New Yorkers can visit the New York State Board of Elections online to find information about how and where to vote, and to learn more about measures in place to protect election integrity.

She said New Yorkers can also follow the State Board of Elections on X @NYSBOE, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and can find contact information for county boards of elections across New York State through the State Board of Elections website.

James has also released a guide called “Protecting New Yorkers from AI-Generated Election Misinformation” to help protect against misinformation generated by AI about the upcoming elections.

Anyone who has questions or sees incorrect election information being distributed should contact the New York State Board of Elections at [email protected] or (518) 474-1953 or report it to OAG’s Election Protection Hotline by calling (866) 390-2992 or submitting a complaint online.

Hochul underscored her ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and smooth election process.

She said this is made possible through year-round partnerships between federal, state and local government agencies “dedicated to ensuring that every voter can cast their ballot and have it counted.”

The governor said this multi-agency cooperation will continue throughout the 2024 General Election, and resources will be available to assist in a “swift, organized response to any election disruptions that might occur.”

Most commonly, she said such disruptions include incidents like downed power lines, interruptions to internet services and weather-related road closures.

Gov. Hochul also reminded voters that all election night results are unofficial, and there may not be a clear winner in certain races until all mail and affidavit ballots are counted by bipartisan county boards of election around the state and the election is certified.

She said state agencies like DHSES and NYSP will coordinate with local law enforcement partners in the days after the election to ensure that peaceful election-related public demonstrations proceed in a manner that protects New Yorkers’ right to free speech while maintaining public safety.

Hochul previously signed the historic John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York – among the nation’s most expansive state-level voting rights act.

This landmark law removed barriers to accessing the polls and ensured all eligible voters have an equal opportunity to vote in the State of New York.

The governor said the law includes key measures to prevent voter suppression and intimidation, expand election-related language assistance, and ensure equitable access to the ballot for all eligible voters.

Additionally, in August, on the 59th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Hochul signed a package of legislation to further strengthen voting protections and make it easier for voters to cast their ballots in New York.