Rep. Tenney and elections group accuse NY state BOE of voting law violations

Tenney and RITE demand records, threaten lawsuit over alleged HAVA violations on voter registration form

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a fractured, overlapping geometric representation of a ballot box in shades of navy, grey, and purple, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.Allegations of voter registration violations raise concerns about the integrity of New York's election processes.Albany Today

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney and the elections organization 'Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections' (RITE) are accusing the New York State Board of Elections of violating federal voting law, alleging the state's voter registration form did not clearly instruct applicants to provide a driver's license number if they have one, as required by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002. RITE also claims a state regulation directed county officials to register people who didn't give a driver's license or Social Security number, even if they didn't affirm they lacked those identifiers.

Why it matters

The allegations raise concerns about potential violations of federal voting law in New York's voter registration process, which could undermine the integrity of elections if unresolved. Tenney and RITE are demanding records from the state BOE and threatening legal action if their requests are not met, escalating the dispute.

The details

In a letter sent in November 2025, RITE first raised concerns about the state's voter registration form not clearly complying with HAVA's requirements. The group says the BOE did revise the form, but 'the more serious issue remains unresolved' regarding the state regulation that instructed counties to register applicants even if they didn't provide an ID number or affirm they lacked one. Tenney and RITE are now demanding records related to those alleged violations by May 7 and threatening to sue if they don't receive them.

  • In November 2025, RITE first sent a letter raising concerns about the voter registration form.
  • Tenney and RITE are demanding records from the state BOE by May 7, 2026.

The players

Rep. Claudia Tenney

A U.S. Representative from New York who is accusing the state Board of Elections of violating federal voting law.

Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections (RITE)

An elections organization that has joined Rep. Tenney in accusing the New York state Board of Elections of violating the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) on voter registration.

New York State Board of Elections

The state agency that oversees elections in New York, which Tenney and RITE are accusing of violating federal voting law.

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What they’re saying

“RITE also says a state regulation instructed county officials to register people who didn't give either a driver's license or partial Social Security number on their registration form, even when the applicant didn't affirm that they had neither.”

— RITE

What’s next

Tenney and RITE are demanding records from the state Board of Elections by May 7, 2026, and are threatening to sue if their requests are not met.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights ongoing concerns about potential voting law violations and the integrity of election processes, which have become increasingly contentious issues in recent years. The outcome of Tenney and RITE's demands could have significant implications for voter registration and election administration in New York.