New York Attorney General Letitia James has reminded residents of the state about the availability of the Election Protection Hotline for the general election on November 5, 2024. The hotline aims to assist voters in resolving various issues they might face while casting their ballots. In addition to this service, guidance and a frequently asked questions guide have been provided to aid voters.
"All New Yorkers have the right to feel safe when casting their votes," said Attorney General James. "Our Election Protection Hotline will help ensure that every voice is heard – whether you're voting by mail or in-person on Election Day. My office is committed to protecting free and fair elections and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a safe, smooth voting process for all. I urge every New Yorker to contact our hotline to resolve election-related questions or concerns."
State and federal laws protect New Yorkers from voter intimidation, deception, and obstruction. Voters encountering difficulties are encouraged by Attorney General James to reach out via the OAG hotline at (866) 390-2992 or submit complaints online for assistance.
The hotline will operate on Election Day from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM and will remain available on November 6 between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM for post-election assistance. Requests for help can also be submitted anytime through an online form, with OAG attorneys and staff processing these inquiries.
Since its inception in November 2012, the OAG's Election Protection Hotline has addressed numerous voter complaints statewide during past elections, collaborating with local officials as necessary. Legal actions have been taken by the OAG to prevent voter registration purges and ensure early voting access as mandated by law.
On Election Day, polls must remain open from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM; voters already in line at closing time are allowed to vote. Registered voters also have rights against coercion or intimidation from any source during elections.
The OAG plans to handle election complaints related to statutes it enforces, including those under the newly enacted New York Voting Rights Act.
Coordination of the hotline is managed by Lindsay McKenzie of the Voting Rights Section with support from Assistant Attorneys General Bethany Perskie, Edward Fenster, Derek Borchardt, Vivian Michael, Rebecca Culley; Senior Voting Rights Analysts Turquoise Baker and Jake Moore; Administrative Assistant Lyric Landon; overseen by Bureau Chief Sandra Park and Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England within the Civil Rights Bureau. This bureau falls under the Division for Social Justice led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.