New York Attorney General Letitia James said voters whose absentee ballots were rejected will be notified this week about how to fix them. That word comes as she also announced an investigation into Election Day robocalls.
New York’s new “notice and cure law” allows voters seven days after given notice to fix problems with their absentee ballots — like they left the envelope unsigned or unsealed. If their ballot is received on or after Election Day, they’ll have just five days after the state notifies them by mail, email or phone.
James said that given the record number of absentee ballots, it could take a few days for the state to notify voters. She said every voter has a right to have their voice heard,and the state will protect that right.
The state requires that absentee ballots be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the state for local election boards by Nov. 10.
James also said the state will investigate reports of robocalls that spread misinformation and even encouraged voters to stay home on Election Day. The robocalls urged Americans to “stay safe and stay home,” as security at certain polling locations on Long Island was heightened for Tuesday’s election.
Authorities warned of in-person voter intimidation at the polls, but no problems were reported to election officials. An FBI investigation is underway into similar robocalls made to voters in Iowa, Nebraska and Michigan.
In January, the Justice Department sued U.S.-based internet phone companies to combat illegal robocalls.
