AG James, Voting Rights Groups Get Out the Early Vote

BROOKLYN, NY (10/22/2026) (readMedia)-- Just two days before early voting starts in New York, Attorney General Letitia James, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Common Cause/NY, NYS NAACP, Hands Off NYC, New York Civic Engagement Table and other voting rights advocates held a press conference together to get out the early vote and educate voters about statewide election protection programs. Hundreds of volunteers will serve as poll monitors across the city and state to assist voters with urgent questions, protect New Yorkers' voting rights, and make sure poll sites are taking adequate safety precautions.

Press interested in trailing a rover during early voting or election day, please contact Becky Stern at becky@pythiapublic.com or 516 581 5707.

"Voting early is one of the best ways to make your voice heard," said New York Attorney General Letitia James. "Now is the time to make your voting plan-because democracy only works if all eligible voters are able to participate. My office stands ready to defend New Yorkers' right to vote, and I thank Common Cause for their partnership in that work."

"Voters can feel confident that elections in New York are highly regulated, safe, and secure. Our pro-voter laws mean you can ignore any manufactured chaos, and cast your ballot proudly. Just like in years prior, our nonpartisan election protection teams will be on the ground, online, and on the phone helping voters exercise their rights, report illegal activity, and answer any questions. We also encourage every voter to skip the Election Day crowd and cast their ballot early!" said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.

Despite disinformation about the voting process, nothing has changed for voters. New Yorkers still have three ways to vote: by mail, in person during early voting, or on Election Day. Early voting runs from Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. To find more information on where and when to vote check out: www.voteearlyny.org.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG)'s Election Protection Hotline will be available to help voters resolve problems during the voting period, from Saturday, October 24 through Wednesday, November 4. New Yorkers can call 866-390-2992 or submit a complaint online. Anyone who witnesses potentially dangerous or violent conduct should call 911 immediately.

Common Cause/NY and Election Protection Coalition have hosted dozens of training sessions in person for volunteers across the state, as well as many remotely. Poll monitors are responsible for ensuring voters are properly guided on voting protocol, reporting results, and troubleshooting any problems that may arise at the poll site. Volunteers will work statewide, and focus on areas in NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Monroe, Erie, Tompkins, and Onondaga. Voters are encouraged to report any misconduct to 886-OUR-VOTE, a national election protection hotline.

The groups outlined a simple "know your rights" for every voter including:

• Do not leave your poll site without casting your ballot, whether that means placing it into a scanner or voting by affidavit ballot (also known as a provisional ballot).
• Even if you are challenged, it is more than likely that you will still be able to cast a ballot.
• When in doubt, call 1-866-OURVOTE: a free hotline of legal personnel can talk you through it.
• Common Cause/NY will also have non-partisan Election Protection monitors all over the state – volunteers who have been trained in our laws – so feel free to ask for help if you see one nearby. They'll be wearing buttons that say Election Protection.
• And no matter who asks, you never need to show an ID in order to vote. If someone asks for your ID, no matter who it is, simply let them know that you are not required to show ID in New York.
• Find your poll site In NYC or Outside of NYC here and hours and get out and vote!

"The MinKwon Center for Community Action is proud to stand with Attorney General James and Common Cause/NY to ensure our elections remain safe, secure, and accessible for everyone. For our immigrant and Asian American communities, defending democracy starts with knowing our rights and having the tools to exercise them without fear. We have been on the ground distributing translated, in-language voting materials across our neighborhoods to make sure voters know that language assistance is available, and that every eligible vote counts. No voter should ever feel intimidated or confused at the ballot box. We urge our community to vote early starting this Saturday, bring their friends and families to the polls, and make our presence and power impossible to ignore," said Yoon Ji Kim, Executive Director of MinKwon Center for Community Action, Convener of APA VOICE.

"Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are the fastest growing group of voters in New York State. CPC has been working hard to do non-partisan education with voters about their rights and protections. Our staff will be supporting community members throughout early voting to go to the polls, access interpretation, and cast their ballots. New Yorkers face a key opportunity to make our voices heard in critical federal and state elections this November and we encourage voters to beat the rush and go to the polls early." said Wayne Ho, President & CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC).

"Voting is an important act of community. When every vote is easy to cast and accurately counted, our democracy gets stronger, and when we protect the vote, we protect New Yorkers," said Jan Combopiano, Senior Policy Director, Brooklyn Voters Alliance.

"Starting this Saturday, voters across the state will head to the polls to shape the future of our country. Every eligible voter has the right to cast their ballot freely, fairly, and without intimidation, whether by voting early, by mail, or on Election Day. By voting, every one of us can help make our state work for all people no matter their age, race, financial status, gender, or zip code. Make your plan to vote, and know that the Election Protection coalition is here to support you," said Jeremy Joseph, Data Director, New York Civic Engagement Table.