Attorney general announces election protection hotline ahead of April presidential primary

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

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will make its election protection hotline available for the April 2 presidential primary election and during New York’s early voting period, which runs from Saturday, March 23, through Saturday, March 30.

The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including issues regarding voting by absentee ballot, early mail ballot, or in-person at a polling place. A guide addressing frequently asked questions is also available to assist voters with, among other things, the absentee and early mail ballot process and voter registration issues.

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and my office will always ensure every New Yorker is able to make their voice heard,” James said. “Our election protection hotline will once again be available to voters throughout this primary election to help address any challenges and provide helpful guidance, no matter how they choose to cast their ballot.”

New Yorkers are protected from voter intimidation, deception, suppression and obstruction under state and federal law.

James urges voters experiencing election-related problems 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, March 23, through Saturday, March 30), and between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on primary election day, Tuesday, April 2. The hotline will also be available on the days before and after primary election day (Monday, April 1, and Wednesday, April 3), 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.

A press release stated, “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 primary 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 newly operative New York Voting Rights Act.”