Elected officials, voting rights groups highlight voter security
Early voting for the general election begins Saturday in New York.
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With early voting set to begin in New York on Saturday, elected officials and voting rights groups took to the front of the Brooklyn Museum Thursday morning to highlight voter security.
"Regardless of what you hear, you have the ability to vote," New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams reminded people.
Groups like Hands Off NYC say it is a needed reminder, since, according to co-founder Hae-Lin Choi, "The right to vote is under attack in ways we haven't seen in generations."
"There are individuals who are concerned ICE agents might show up at their polling sites asking for their identification," said New York State Attorney General Letitia James, whose name is on the ballot for re-election.
At the press conference, speakers said this was thanks to threats from the federal government.
"Our biggest concern is confusion and fear on the part of voters, because that has been the result of a deliberate campaign," explained Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York.
L. Joy Williams, the president of the NAACP's New York State Conference, said that sort of confusion can suppress the number of people who head out to the polls.
"They want to vote, but are unsure, because they're getting conflicting information," she said.
Despite all the noise, Lerner said in New York State, "nothing has changed for voters."
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, who is running for re-election unopposed, said people should know that "any person that attempts to intimidate, to obstruct, to deceive, to prevent you from voting is doing something illegal."
The voting rights groups said they would have people available in-person at polling locations, online and over the phone, both to keep an eye on what is happening, and to answer any questions from voters that might come up.
"(If) you notice anything, don't walk away, don't stay silent, call the hotline and make sure to report it," said Williams.
Local officials said they would also be standing by.
"There are strict laws to protect polling locations," said Steve Banks, who serves as New York City's top lawyer as Corporation Counsel. "Write down what happened, where it happened, when."
Myrie added that if there is any dispute, "We've got your back, the law has your back."
News 12 reached out to Saritha Komatireddy, who is running against James in the general election, to see if she had any response to the attorney general's appearance at the press conference.
In a statement, a campaign spokesperson said that James "spreads fear as a political tool."
