A new law in New York grants Attorney General Letitia James sweeping power over election processes, sparking concerns about its impact on the upcoming elections.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, New York has implemented a new requirement that will take effect this weekend, granting Democratic Attorney General Letitia James unprecedented authority over the state's election process.
According to election attorney Joseph T. Burns, "Nobody is really talking about it or what a big effect it's going to have." Burns, a partner at the law firm Holtzman Vogel, expressed his concerns to Fox News Digital in a phone interview, calling the new measure "a big effect" and "a power grab by the attorney general."
New York's Unprecedented Power Grab: AG James Granted Election Control
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022, includes a preclearance requirement that takes effect on Sept. 22. The new rule mandates certain jurisdictions in New York to seek approval from the attorney general or a designated court before making election-related decisions.
Burns notes that these decisions encompass various aspects, from adjusting early voting hours to removing deceased residents from voter lists. In an op-ed published in the New York Post, Burns warns that the new law grants James "unprecedented power over election processes in some of the most hotly contested congressional districts in the nation, including those on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley."
New York's Unprecedented Power Grab: AG James Granted Election Control
Criticizing the lack of public attention the new requirement has received, Burns emphasizes, "Nobody's talking about it. It's pretty remarkable."
The law overturns the established system of bipartisan election administration that has served New York's voters effectively for generations. Burns writes that "the law requires certain counties, cities, towns, villages, and school districts to get the blessing of the AG or a designated court before making election-related or voting-related changes."
New York's Unprecedented Power Grab: AG James Granted Election Control
Election integrity advocates express concerns that the new law could potentially lead to delays or even the overturning of legitimate election results, particularly in close races. However, supporters of the measure argue that it is necessary to prevent voter suppression and ensure fair elections.
The implementation of this new requirement is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections in New York, with some predicting that it could potentially influence the balance of power in Congress. The true consequences of this unprecedented power grab by Attorney General James remain to be seen, but it is certain to be a major talking point in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
New York's Unprecedented Power Grab: AG James Granted Election Control
