Attorney General James announces election protection hotline

Voters experiencing problems can consult frequently asked questions, call 866-390-2992, or request assistance online

Submitted by the Office of New York Attorney General Letitia James

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) will make its election protection hotline available for the Nov. 4 general election and during New York’s early voting period, which runs from Saturday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 2. The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including issues voting by absentee ballot, early mail ballot, or in-person at their polling place. A guide addressing frequently asked questions is also currently available to assist voters with, among other things, the absentee and early mail ballot process and voter registration issues.

“Our right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and every voter should be able to freely exercise that right,” James said. “My office will be available through Election Day to help anyone who faces challenges voting, and will continue working to protect free and fair elections throughout New York state. I am proud to support New Yorkers as they make their voices heard at the ballot box.”

James urges voters experiencing election-related problems while voting to call the OAG hotline at 866-390-2992, or submit a complaint online to request assistance. The telephone hotline will be open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. during early voting (Saturday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 2), and between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4. The hotline will also be available on the day before and after Election Day, Monday, Nov. 3, and Wednesday, Nov. 5, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Written requests for assistance may be submitted at any time through the online complaint form. Hotline calls and written requests for assistance are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.

The OAG has operated its election protection hotline since November 2012. During previous elections, OAG fielded hundreds – and sometimes thousands – of complaints from voters across the state, and worked with local election officials and others to address issues. The OAG has also taken legal action to protect against voter registration purges and to ensure that voters have adequate and equitable access to vote early as required by law.

All registered voters have the right to accessible elections. On Election Day, polls are required to be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and if voters are in line before closing, they must be allowed to vote. In addition, all registered voters have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation, whether by election officials or any other person.

The OAG will receive and respond to election complaints relating to any of the statutes that OAG enforces, including the New York Voting Rights Act.