New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the availability of an Election Protection Hotline for the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. The hotline will be operational starting tomorrow and throughout New York's early voting period from October 26 to November 3. It aims to assist voters with issues related to absentee ballots, early mail ballots, or in-person voting.
"All New Yorkers have the right to feel safe when casting their votes," stated Attorney General James. "Our Election Protection Hotline will help ensure that every voice is heard – whether you’re voting by mail, early, or in-person on Election Day."
The hotline is part of efforts to protect voters from intimidation, deception, suppression, and obstruction under state and federal law. Voters experiencing problems can call (866) 390-2992 or submit a complaint online. The hotline operates between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM during early voting days and extends its hours on Election Day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Since its inception in November 2012, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has used this hotline during elections to address voter complaints and collaborate with local officials. Legal actions have been taken by OAG in past elections to prevent voter registration purges and ensure access to early voting.
On Election Day, polls are mandated to remain open from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM. Voters in line before closing time must be allowed to vote without facing coercion or intimidation.
The OAG’s Voting Rights Section coordinates the hotline operations under Section Chief Lindsay McKenzie. The team includes Assistant Attorneys General Bethany Perskie, Edward Fenster, Derek Borchardt, Rebecca Culley, Jerry Vattamala; Senior Voting Rights Analysts Turquoise Baker and Jake Moore; Voting Rights Analysts Chris Chin and Chris Leaverton; Administrative Assistant Lyric Landon; Bureau Chief Sandra Park; Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England; Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux; and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.