Fri Sep 20 12:15:46 UTC 2024: ## New York Election Law Hands Attorney General Unprecedented Power, Experts Warn

**Albany, NY** – A new provision in New York’s John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, set to take effect this weekend, grants Attorney General Letitia James significant control over the state’s election process, raising concerns among election law experts.

The preclearance requirement mandates that certain jurisdictions, including New York City and several Long Island counties, seek approval from the Attorney General or a designated court for any election-related changes, ranging from adjusting early voting hours to updating voter lists.

Election attorney Joseph T. Burns, a partner at Holtzman Vogel, warns that this law significantly undermines the constitutionally mandated, bipartisan election administration that has served New York for decades. He argues that the new rule effectively grants the Attorney General, a Democrat, veto power over decisions traditionally made by bipartisan boards of elections.

“It isn’t just bad policy, because it undermines the bipartisan nature of the boards of elections,” Burns told Fox News Digital. “In this day and age where people are so concerned about election integrity, what’s better than having both sides have a stake in the outcome?”

This new law has received minimal attention, according to Burns, who wrote an op-ed in the New York Post highlighting the potential consequences. He contends that this could cause disruptions during the upcoming presidential election, especially if last-minute changes to polling sites are needed due to unforeseen events.

While James’ office has not responded to Fox News’ request for comment, critics argue that this new law disrupts a system that has ensured voter confidence, and the Attorney General’s increased involvement could create unnecessary delays and complications in the election process.

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