New York Attorney General Letitia James reminded New Yorkers today of the availability of the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Election Protection Hotline for the June 25, 2024 primary election. The hotline aims to assist voters in resolving issues they may encounter when casting their ballots. Additionally, a guide addressing frequently asked questions is available to support voters.
“Access to the ballot box is the foundational right of our democracy,” stated Attorney General James. “Our election protection hotline will be available to address challenges voters face and provide helpful guidance, regardless of whether they choose to vote early, by mail, or on election day. I am proud that my office continues to protect New Yorkers’ right to vote and encourage anyone experiencing problems to reach out to our hotline.”
Under state and federal law, New Yorkers are protected from voter intimidation, deception, and obstruction. Voters experiencing difficulties are urged by Attorney General James to call the OAG hotline at (866) 390-2992 or submit a complaint online for assistance.
The telephone hotline will operate from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, June 25. It will also be available on Wednesday, June 26 between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM for post-election assistance. Written requests can be submitted anytime through the online form. Calls and written requests are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.
Since its inception in November 2012, the OAG’s Election Protection Hotline has fielded hundreds to thousands of complaints during previous elections. The OAG collaborates with local election officials and others to address issues and has taken legal action against voter registration purges while ensuring adequate access for early voting as required by law.
All registered voters have the right to accessible elections. Polls are mandated to be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Election Day; voters in line before closing must be allowed to vote. Voters also have the right to cast their ballots free from coercion or intimidation.
The OAG will respond to election complaints related to statutes it enforces, including the newly operative New York Voting Rights Act.
Coordination of the OAG Election Protection Hotline is managed by Lindsay McKenzie, Section Chief of the Voting Rights Section. The team includes Assistant Attorneys General Bethany Perskie, Edward Fenster, Derek Borchardt, Vivian Michael, and Rebecca Culley; Senior Voting Rights Analysts Turquoise Baker and Jake Moore; and Administrative Assistant Trainee Lyric Landon. The Voting Rights Section is part of the Civil Rights Bureau overseen by Bureau Chief Sandra Park and Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England. The Civil Rights Bureau operates under the Division for Social Justice led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.