UTICA, NY – Oneida County Board of Elections Commissioners Sarah F. Bormann and Nichole D. Shortell are warning Oneida County residents of numerous incidents of individuals impersonating elections officials across counties throughout the state. Incidents have been reported in several counties, including Onondaga, Chautauqua, Washington, and Warren, in which individuals are confronting voters at their homes regarding their registration status and accusing voters of committing crimes because of how they appear in the statewide voter registration database.

 

“While we have not been made aware of any specific incidents of election official impersonation in Oneida County, we highly encourage voters to be vigilant and report any incidences that may occur to our office and to local law enforcement. We always encourage voters to directly reach out to our office with questions or concerns if they are ever in doubt regarding a communication or interaction regarding their voter registration or anything election-related,” say Commissioners Bormann and Shortell.

 

The Election Commissioners recommend voters follow the New York State Board of Elections guidance to immediately request identification from any individuals who approach them claiming to be from the State or County Board of Elections. If any individual refuses or appears under suspicious circumstances, voters are encouraged to collect as much information as possible, to not provide the individual with any personal information, and to contact local law enforcement to report the incident.

 

“The Board of Elections is an integral part of our democratic process with staff working diligently to ensure that elections are conducted in a safe, fair and secure manner. The individuals behind these incidents seek to undermine the trust we place in our electoral system and all incidents should be reported immediately. As we navigate this situation, let’s continue to support the efforts of the Board of Elections to uphold the integrity of our elections and work together to safeguard the values we hold dear,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.

 

“The recent reports of election official impersonation and voter intimidation throughout the state are extremely concerning. Not only is criminal impersonation in the second degree a class A misdemeanor in New York State, but it is an abhorrent attempt to deceive unsuspecting community members. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office encourages residents to remain vigilant, always ask for proper identification, and immediately report any incidents of impersonation or voter intimidation. Residents are encouraged to collect as much information as possible, including descriptions and license plate numbers, if such an incident occurs to them,” said Oneida County Sheriff Sheriff Rob Maciol.

 

Voters can reach the Oneida County Board of Elections at (315) 798-5765 or by email at BoardofElections [at] ocgov.net.The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (315) 736-0141.