Bipartisan Election Officials Affirm New York Elections Are Safe Following Successful Week of Early Voting

Over one million New Yorkers have voted early, without any major issues; The statewide nonpartisan Election Protection coalition has hundreds of volunteers at poll sites and on the phones to protect voters and answer questions

ALBANY, NY (10/30/2026) (readMedia)-- More than one million New Yorkers have cast their ballots through the first week of early voting without any major issues, surpassing the total number of early votes from 2022 with several days to go. As we enter the final weekend of early voting, Republican and Democratic officials across the state are reminding voters that our elections are safe, secure, and accessible and urging eligible New Yorkers to make their voices heard:

  • On Long Island, Nassau County Republican Chair Joe Cairo told Newsday that voting has "been relatively smooth and calm since opening day," while Suffolk County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Garcia similarly said he had, "full confidence in the bipartisan professionalism and security operations of the Suffolk County Board of Elections." The Suffolk County Board of Elections, which is run by bipartisan commissioners, said, "there have been no significant reports of voting issues."
  • Congressman Mike Lawler (R) said to NBC 4 New York, "I am confident in NY that our elections will be free and fair and that they will be fairly decided, in part because we have designed a system where you have Republicans and Democrats administering the elections together."
  • Monroe County Board of Elections Republican Commissioner Peter Elder told Spectrum News that, "Election law is very clear that if you have no other business at a polling site but to vote, you should not be there... If anything unusual happens at a polling site, the elections inspectors are required to either call us or contact us."
  • Attorney General Letitia James (D) reminded voters in a statement: "I want New York voters to know the law is on their side. Armed federal agents are not allowed at polling places, and no one can use a badge, a weapon, or a threat to stop you from voting. Voting in New York is safe, and my office will make sure every eligible voter can cast their ballot and be heard."

Voters are encouraged to make a plan to vote and take advantage of early voting. Early voting runs through Sunday, November 1st. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Find your early voting poll site and more information here. For additional details about important election and voting deadlines, visit the State Board of Elections website.

Background

Through Election Day, the statewide nonpartisan Election Protection program will continue to be in effect. The coalition will have hundreds of poll monitors stationed at poll sites throughout the state to help voters understand the process, observe for any misconduct, and assist voters in multiple languages with questions or concerns.

Voters who run into any issues or witness any misconduct are encouraged to call the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, where trained legal personnel can answer questions. Language assistance is available through the Election Protection website and the following numbers:

  • 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) – Spanish language hotline
  • 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) – Arabic language hotline
  • 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) – Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bangla, Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog hotline
  • 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683) – American Sign Language video call number

If voters are unsure about what they see online, or have any questions about deadlines or where they're supposed to vote, they should rely on official sources. Check with local Boards of Elections or the New York State Board of Elections website.