Senator Walczyk Introduces Bill To Increase Penalties For Impersonating Board of Elections Officials

Across New York, individuals are confronting voters at their homes and claiming to be Board of Elections officials. These people have been asking voters personal questions and intimidating voters by claiming that they appear in New York’s voter database more than once. The local Boards of Elections, along with the State Board, have put out warnings to voters about these bad actors. 

As the Ranking Member on the Senate Elections Committee, Senator Walczyk is deeply troubled by these recent actions. Citizens should not have to live with the fear of strangers coming up to their door and making concerning allegations about their voter status. That is why Senator Walczyk is proud to introduce S7661, which creates the crime of impersonating a Board of Elections worker or commissioner.

“Regardless of one’s political affiliation, intimidation of this kind cannot be tolerated,” Walczyk said. “In a time when faith in our electoral system is diminishing, these imposters actively undermine voter confidence. I’m proud to work with Assemblyman Norris to carry a common sense bill  that Republicans and Democrats alike can support.”

“Reports of fraudulent board of elections scams are extremely concerning. As a former elections commissioner and the Ranking Member of the Assembly Elections Committee, I know all too well how detrimental these kinds of scams can be to our democratic process and discourage people from participating in our elections. That’s why I am standing up and sponsoring this new bill,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris. “Please know, it is crucial that people continue to vote and if there is ever a question about your voter enrollment, please contact your home county board of elections to look into the matter. There will always be a few bad actors threatening our democracy but I am proud to have the partnership of determined colleagues, like Senator Walczyk, working with me to protect the sanctity of our elections and your vote.”

 "The Jefferson County Board of Elections is committed to fair elections free from interference from bad actors, said Jude Seymour, Jefferson County Board of Elections Commissioner. “There are plenty of trusted ways to communicate with us, including phone, email, social media and stopping by our office. We will happily identify ourselves or allow you to call back our trusted numbers if you are ever uncertain that you are talking to someone legitimate. We will never stop at your door to question your voter registration. In this time where certain individuals are looking to alarm voters and create confusion about their eligibility, I applaud Senator Walczyk's efforts to protect New Yorkers."

"I want to commend Senator Walczyk for maintaining and safeguarding our election integrity so every voter will have confidence, and those who try to break the law will be held accountable. We should be doing everything we can to protect election integrity,” said Tom Nichols, St. Lawrence County Board of Elections Commissioner. “Some election laws are watered down, too many examples of penalties that are too lenient, the consequences for breaking the law should be deterring people from even attempting to break the law"

Senator Mark Walczyk represents the 49th Senate District, which includes the entire counties of Jefferson, Lewis, Hamilton and Fulton. As well as parts of Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Herkimer counties. Sign up for exclusive updates from the Senator via his weekly newsletter by clicking HERE or by emailing walczyk@nysenate.gov.