NEW YORK – Attorney General Letitia James is reminding New Yorkers that military troops and armed federal officers, including agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, US Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI are not allowed at polling places under state and federal law.
Early voting is underway and continues through Sunday, November 1, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
James is urging New Yorkers to vote with confidence and to report and intimidation or interference to her office of Election Protection Hotline at 866-390-2992, or .
“No eligible New Yorker should stay home on Election Day because of fear,” James said. “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, or a threat to stop you from voting. Noting in New York is safe, and my office will make sure every eligible voter can cast their ballot and be heard.”
Under federal law, it is a crime to order, bring, or keep troops or armed federal officers, including ICE, CBP and FBI agents at a poll site.
Members of the US armed forces may not use force, threats, or intimidation to stop anyone from noting, and government officials may not use their official authority to interfere with or influence a federal election, including the 2026 General Election. Also, no person, including a government officer, may intimidate, threaten, or coerce anyone for voting or attempting to vote.
James said New York law adds another layer of protection. Under state law, local governments and their employees may not grant immigration enforcement officers access to a polling location for immigration enforcement purposes unless the officers present a valid judicial warrant or court order.
She said attempts to scare people away from the polls are a form of voter intimidation. Spreading rumors that voting will lead to arrests, immigration enforcement, or other negative consequences can violate federal and state law. Voters who clear claims like those should know they are false and designed to keep them from voting, and they should to the attorney general’s office.
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