New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday issued a voter guideline to educate New Yorkers about their voting rights and essential election information ahead of early voting period that starts on Saturday, Oct. 26.
“Every New Yorker should be able to vote easily and without fear,” James said through a press release. “As we approach the November 2024 election, my office is ensuring that every voice is heard, and the integrity of the electoral process is upheld. Any behavior that gets in the way of a fair and safe election should be reported to my office immediately.”
In “Protecting New Yorkers from AI-Generated Election Misinformation,” James cautioned against AI-generated election misinformation that can be spread by unverified social media accounts, chatbots and fake images.
James further distributed a letter to local Boards of Election and law enforcement agencies, reminding them of their responsibility to prevent voter intimidation and uphold voters' rights, the press release said.
The Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Election Protection Hotline will also be available to address any voting issues or reports of intimidation, running from Oct. 26 through Election Day on Nov. 5. Voters may reach the hotline by calling (866) 390-2992 or filing a complaint online.
Signs of intimidation include the carrying of weapons and civilians disguising as law enforcement officers.
"Under state and federal law, it is illegal for anyone to intimidate, threaten, or coerce voters in an attempt to disrupt their right to vote. It is also illegal to bring any firearm, rifle, or shotgun to polling places, or to use any other weapon to intimidate or harass voters," said James.
The guidance also underscored New York’s voting rights, emphasizing protections against intimidation, privacy rights in the voting booth, and the right to an affidavit ballot if a voter’s eligibility is questioned at the polling site. Accessibility accommodations for voters with disabilities were also highlighted, ensuring equal voting opportunities for all New Yorkers.
