Attorney General James Urges New Yorkers to Vote by Mail with Confidence as Key Deadlines Approach

 

AG James Reminds Voters That Saturday, October 24 Is the Last Day to Request a Mail Ballot Online or by Mail

New York Attorney General Letitia James today reminded New Yorkers that voting by mail is safe and secure, and urged voters who plan to vote by mail to request and return their ballots as soon as possible. With early voting beginning this Saturday, October 24, Attorney General James emphasized that New Yorkers can be confident their ballot will be counted, no matter how they choose to cast it. Saturday, October 24 is also the last day to request a mail ballot online or by mail.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG)’s Election Protection Hotline will be available to help voters resolve problems from Saturday, October 24 through Wednesday, November 4. New Yorkers can call 866-390-2992 or submit a complaint online.

“No matter how they vote, New Yorkers should feel confident their ballots will be counted,” said Attorney General James. “Mail voting in New York is safe, secure, and trusted by New Yorkers in every corner of our state. When the federal government tried to attack mail ballots, we went to court and stopped it. I am urging New Yorkers not to let anyone shake their confidence in our election system. Request your ballot, send it back early, and make your voice heard.”

New York’s mail voting system has strong safeguards at every step. Bipartisan teams of election workers review every mail ballot envelope and check each voter’s signature against their registration record. Once officials process a ballot, they update the voter’s record so no one can vote twice. If a ballot envelope has a fixable problem, such as a missing signature, election officials must notify the voter and give them a chance to fix it. Voters can follow their ballot from application to count using the State Board of Elections’ online ballot tracker.

Any registered voter can request a mail ballot without any excuse or justification. These differ from absentee ballots, which are offered to voters unable to vote in person for a specific, stated reason. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the county Board of Elections by one week after Election Day – Tuesday, November 10 – to count.

Because of changes in how the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) applies postmarks, a ballot dropped in a mailbox will not likely be postmarked until the next day or later. Attorney General James encourages voters to mail in their ballots as early as possible and, if mailing close to Election Day, to ask for a free hand-stamped postmark at a post office counter. Alternatively, voters can drop their ballots off in person at their county Board of Elections, any early voting site in their county, or any open poll site in their county by 9 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can even go to their local BOE office, request and complete an early mail ballot, and submit it all in the same trip.

Attorney General James reassures voters that mail voting in New York will work this fall exactly as state law provides. In August, at the president’s direction, USPS issued a rule that would have allowed the agency to refuse to deliver mail ballots to eligible voters whose names were not on a new federal list, or whose envelopes did not meet new federal requirements. Attorney General James and a coalition sued and secured a court order blocking the rule, which the U.S. Supreme Court later upheld. In June, the Supreme Court also rejected an effort to require that mail ballots arrive by Election Day, preserving New York’s law that ballots postmarked by Election Day count if they arrive within seven days. After months of attacking mail voting, even the president is now encouraging voters to cast their ballots by mail.

New Yorkers voting by mail in the November 3 general election should keep these deadlines in mind:

• Saturday, October 24: Last day that county boards of elections will process mail ballot applications submitted online, by mail, email, or fax. It is also the last day to register to vote.
• Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1: Early voting. Anyone can drop off their completed mail ballot at any early voting site in their county.
• Monday, November 2: Last day to apply for a mail ballot in person at a county board of elections.
• Tuesday, November 3, Election Day: Mailed ballots must be postmarked by today. Voters can also drop off their ballots at any poll site in their county or at their county board of elections until 9:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 10: Last day for mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive.

Attorney General James also offers the following tips for New Yorkers voting by mail:

• Apply online now. Voters who have not yet requested their ballot can apply online through the State Board of Elections. A paper application mailed this week may not arrive before the October 24 deadline.
• Skip the mail, if preferred. Ballots can be returned in person at any early voting site or Election Day poll site in a voter’s county, or at their county board of elections.
• Make sure to sign. Follow the instructions that come with the ballot and sign and date the envelope where indicated.
• Track a ballot. Voters can visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov to confirm their county board of elections received and counted their ballot. Voters in New York City can visit requestballot.vote.nyc/tracking to track their ballot.
• Changed your mind? You can still vote in person. Voters who requested, but have not submitted, a mail ballot can still vote in person using an affidavit ballot. Once it is verified that you have not submitted a ballot already, your vote will be counted.

New Yorkers who run into problems voting by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day can contact the Office of the Attorney General’s Election Protection Hotline at (866) 390-2992 or submit a complaint online.

Mayor Mamdani Announces New Appointees for Civilian Complaint Review Board

 

Appointees bring experience in criminal prosecution, public defense, education and social justice 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced new appointees to the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), the nation’s largest independent police oversight agency.

Under the leadership of CCRB Chair Jennifer Jones Austin, these appointees will advance the Mamdani administration’s whole-of-government approach to public safety by strengthening police accountability, building public trust and ensuring every New Yorker is treated with dignity. Independent oversight is essential to ensuring that New Yorkers can trust the institutions charged with keeping them safe.

June Northern will continue to serve as a member of the CCRB Board.

“I am proud to announce these new appointments to the Civilian Complaint Review Board,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Public safety is impossible without accountability. New Yorkers deserve an oversight system that operates with transparency and integrity. These new board members will advance that mission and strengthen the public’s trust in our city’s government.”

“On behalf of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, I welcome Mayor Mamdani's Board appointees, and I express heartfelt gratitude to departing Board members who served out their terms with dedication,” said Chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, Jennifer Jones Austin.”

About the Members of the Civilian Complaint Review Board

Reginald Greene

Reginald Greene is a mediator on the JAMS Jed Melnick Team, which provides alternative dispute resolution services in complex commercial disputes. He previously served as an Assistant District Attorney, and Deputy Chief of Legislation and Policy at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Greene began his career as a Teach For America corps member before becoming Founding Principal at KIPP Philosophers Academy and Vice President and Superintendent of Schools at Para Los Niños. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Reginald Greene said, “I am deeply grateful to Mayor Mamdani for the immense honor and opportunity to serve the people of our great city once more.”

Lisa Hoyes

Lisa Hoyes is the Assistant Dean for Public Service at New York University School of Law, where she leads the Public Interest Law Center. Before joining NYU Law, Hoyes spent more than fifteen years as a public interest attorney, including six years as an Assistant Federal Defender at the Federal Defenders of New York and nearly eight years at the Bronx Defenders. She also worked at the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama and began her legal career as a Soros Justice Fellow at the Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice and The Door’s Legal Services Center. Hoyes earned her J.D. from NYU Law, where she was a Root-Tilden-Kern Scholar, and her B.A. from SUNY Purchase.

Lisa Hoyes said: "I’m honored to join the Civilian Complaint Review Board. Having spent much of my career representing people impacted by the criminal legal system, I understand the importance of meaningful police accountability and independent civilian oversight. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to help ensure that complaints of police misconduct receive thorough and fair review."

Lisa Landau

Lisa Landau is the Executive Director of the Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham School of Law. She previously served as General Counsel for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and as the Chief of the Health Care Bureau at the New York State Attorney General’s Office. She spent the early years of her legal career at the International Rescue Committee, The Legal Aid Society and at the ACLU. She received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania, and her JD from NYU School of Law.

Lisa Landau said, "I am honored to join the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board to do my utmost to ensure that complaints of misconduct are investigated and reviewed — with impartiality, and with a deep commitment to our NYC communities. As an attorney serving the public over my career, I am dedicated to bringing my social justice experience to the CCRB to help protect civilian rights, and ensure fair, independent oversight for all New Yorkers."

Wesner Pierre

Wesner Pierre is CEO of Partnership With Children, a 118-year-old nonprofit advancing youth mental health and well-being across New York City. A longtime leader in youth development, community-based services and violence prevention, Pierre has dedicated his career to strengthening institutions and creating conditions in which young people and communities can thrive. Previously, he served as Vice President at CAMBA, Inc., where he launched Brownsville In Violence Out (BIVO), a community-based gun violence prevention initiative. At The Harlem Children’s Zone, he held an executive leadership role overseeing large-scale youth development and educational programs. He began his career as Director of a Beacon Community Center. Pierre is an Aspen Institute Fellow and a founding board member of the CUNY School of Professional Studies’ master's in youth studies program, where he has also served as an adjunct professor. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York and a master’s degree in urban affairs from Queens College. He was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens.

Wesner Pierre said, “I am deeply honored to serve on New York City's Civilian Complaint Review Board. Growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, and spending my career working alongside young people, families and communities, I have seen firsthand how our experiences with institutions shape our sense of trust, dignity and belonging. I believe institutions have a responsibility to listen, examine themselves, and hold themselves accountable to the people they serve. I look forward to bringing my lived and professional experiences to this work and helping build a city where fairness, accountability and trust are more than ideals but experiences shared by all New Yorkers.”

Justice Department Charges 28 Foreign Nationals in California for Election Crimes

 

Federal law enforcement throughout California today arrested 11 foreign nationals living in the United States who are among 28 total charged in criminal complaints with federal crimes, including that they fraudulently registered to vote in U.S. elections, electoral contests in which most of them cast illegal and fraudulently obtained ballots.

Today’s arrests are part of “Operation Protect the Vote” – a coordinated effort among all four California-based United States Attorney’s Offices to combat and root out fraud in U.S. elections and protect electoral integrity.

All 28 foreign nationals charged are lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or “green card” holders. Although LPRs have legal immigration status in the United States, they are not U.S. citizens and are not permitted to vote in U.S. elections.

The criminal charges include making false statements in a naturalization application and some of the defendants also are charged with fraudulent voter registration. Both charges are felonies that carry a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

The defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in U.S. District Courts. No pleas will be taken today.

On Oct. 13, the federal government provided a list of these individuals to California to ensure that their vote-by-mail ballots were set aside until these individuals’ citizenship status could be confirmed. California declined to assist the federal government in setting aside their ballots, prompting a lawsuit by the United States that seeks a court order to prevent the unlawful dilution of American citizens’ votes and to uphold the integrity of our elections.

 “Every illegal vote cancels out the vote of a lawful American citizen,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter. “Each of the 28 defendants charged today appears on the list of more than 20,000 likely noncitizen registrants we provided to California election officials last week. California refused to look at that list. Today's charges show exactly what that refusal puts at risk. California must verify the citizenship of those more than 20,000 registrants before mail-in ballots are counted.”

 “Today’s arrests prove what we have been saying,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “California is mailing ballots to noncitizens, and they are refusing to comply with federal law, which makes it a crime for noncitizens to vote. The voting rights of American citizens must be protected.”

 “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to protecting the integrity of our nation’s electoral process by investigating allegations of criminal conduct that undermine public confidence in our elections,” said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue those who knowingly violate federal law, while ensuring that every investigation is conducted fairly, thoroughly, and consistent with due process.”

According to court documents, the defendants knowingly and willfully lied under oath in their voter registration applications that they were U.S. citizens to be permitted to vote in California. Their fraudulent voter registration applications were approved, and, in many cases, the defendants illegally voted in recent U.S. elections. They subsequently lied in their paperwork to become naturalized U.S. citizens that they had never claimed U.S. citizenship, nor had they registered to vote or voted in U.S. elections.

Broken down by jurisdiction, the following defendants are charged in today’s takedown:

Central District of California

All the following defendants below in this jurisdiction face felony charges,

including false statements in a naturalization application:

• Omar Alexander Muñoz, 72, a Belizean national living in Commerce, California, fraudulently registered to vote in September 2019, claiming his was a U.S. citizen, then voted in U.S. elections in 2020, twice in 2022, and in 2024. He also lied on his application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen when he falsely stated under oath to have never claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
• Amandeep Kaur, 30, an Indian national living in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, and who is seeking to become a U.S. citizen, fraudulently registered to vote in December 2022 and voted in the November 2024 U.S. election.
• Ana Domínguez, 60, a Salvadoran national living in Long Beach, California, fraudulently registered to vote in July 2006 and lied in her naturalization paperwork in March 2026.
• Axel Giovani Prera García, 46, a Guatemalan national and Pico Rivera, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2002 and 2005, and lied in his naturalization paperwork in June 2025.
• Flavio Alejandro Zúñiga, 43, a Mexico national and La Puente, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2003 and lied in his naturalization paperwork in February 2026.
• Butleng Taing, 43, a Cambodian national living in Long Beach, fraudulently registered to vote in July 2021, voted in the 2022 and 2024 U.S. elections, and lied on his naturalization paperwork in August 2025.
• Carlos Antonio Galeas, 54, a Honduran national and West Covina, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2012 and 2016, then lied in his naturalization paperwork in September 2018.
• Ernest Gutiérrez Ruvalcaba, 57, a Mexican national living in Wilmington, California, fraudulently registered to vote in February 2024 and voted one month later.
• Jesús Narez-Madrigal, 52, a Mexican national living in Carson, California, fraudulently registered to vote in 2014, voted in the 2024 U.S. general election, and lied in his naturalization paperwork in June 2024.
• José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, 42, a Mexican national and West Adams, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2007 and lied on his naturalization paperwork in March 2025.
• Muhammad Khan, 50, a Pakistani national and Anaheim, California, resident, submitted a provisional ballot in 2020 and lied on his naturalization paperwork five years later.
• Rouzbeh Seyamaknejad, 63, a Canadian national and Rancho Palos Verdes, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in December 2018, lied in his naturalization application in January 2024, and voted in the November 2024 U.S. election.
• Sulema de León, 35, a Mexican national and Long Beach, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2013, lied on her naturalization application in 2019, and voted in the November 2020 U.S. general election.

Eastern District of California

The following defendants are charged with voting by an alien in a federal election, a misdemeanor that carries a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison:

• Maricela Nazarín González, 43, a Mexican national living in Clovis, California, registered to vote in 2020, indicating that she was a U.S. citizen, and voted in elections in 2022, twice in 2024, and 2025.
• Rony de Jesús Sicaja, 38, a Guatemalan national living in Fresno, California, fraudulently registered to vote in 2017, and voted in the June 2022 primary election and the November 2024 general election in the United States.
• Camino Giles Jiménez, 51, a Mexican national living in Kerman, California, knowingly voted in three U.S. elections despite knowing he is a noncitizen, the most recent election being the June 2026 primary.
• Juan Antonio Rivas García, 46, a Mexican national and Sacramento, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2018 and 2020, both times falsely asserting under oath that he was a U.S. citizen. Rivas voted in the 2022 and 2024 U.S. elections.
• Giezell Viduya Adawag, 41, a Philippines national and Vacaville, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote the day of the November 2024 general election, falsely certified that she was a U.S. citizen, and voted in the election that day.
• Kamlesh Navnitlal Shah, 67, an Indian national living in Sacramento, California, fraudulently registered to vote on the day of the November 2024 general election and voted that day. He is charged via information.

Northern District of California

The following defendants are charged with attempted procurement of

naturalization contrary to law, false statement under oath in any matter relating to naturalization or citizenship, and voting by an alien:

• Verónica Bullene, 43, a.k.a. “Verónica Hernández Martínez,” a Mexican national living in Petaluma, California, made false statements on her naturalization application that she had never claimed to be a U.S. citizen when, in fact, she did so under penalty of perjury to register to vote in 2022 and 2023 then voted in 2024.
• David Shapiro, 41, a Georgian national living in San Jose, California, fraudulently registered to vote in 2024 and later voted in a U.S. election, and made false statements on his naturalization application that he had never claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
• Moe Thida Lwin, 57, a Myanmar national and Daly City, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2024 and then proceeded to illegally vote in a U.S. citizen. She made false statements on her naturalization paperwork as well.
• Manakotau Mataele Finau, 61, a Tongan national and Hayward, California, resident, fraudulently registered to vote in the 2024 election then vote, then lied about it in naturalization paperwork.
• Maribel del Carmen Garcés Barriga, 62, an Ecuadoran national and San Francisco, California, resident, made false statements in her naturalization paperwork that she never claimed U.S. citizenship and had never voted in a U.S. election or had registered to vote. In fact, Garcés fraudulently registered to vote in 2024 and proceeded to vote in a U.S. election.

Southern District of California

The following defendants are charged with false claim to citizenship to vote, unlawful attempted procurement of naturalization, and false statement under oath in matter relating to naturalization or citizenship:

• José Probitsado Amaro, 51, a citizen of the Philippines living in National City, California, fraudulently registered to vote by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. He then cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election and made false statements during his naturalization interview, denying that he had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting his voting history.
• Jennifer Jung, 31, a Canadian national living in San Diego, California, fraudulently registered to vote by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. She then cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election and made false statements during her naturalization interview, denying that she had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting her voting history.
• Erick Ronaldo Soto Mendizábal, 64, a citizen of Guatemala and former Oceanside, California, resident now living in Moreno Valley, California, fraudulently registered to vote by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. He then cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election and made false statements in his naturalization application, denying that he had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting his voting history.
• Pamele Arbués Line, 56, a citizen of the Philippines living in Escondido, California, registered to vote, cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election, and made false statements in her naturalization interview, denying that she had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting her voting history.

A complaint, indictment, and information merely contain accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ICE Arrests More Than 100 Gang Members in Less Than a Week

 

Among those arrested were members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement announcing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 100 gang members in less than a week, including members of gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua (TDA).

From October 4 to October 10, ICE arrested 131 gang-affiliated individuals, including 129 arrests by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and two arrests by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Among those arrested were 22 affiliates of MS-13 and 13 affiliates of TDA.

Since President Donald J. Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025, ICE has made 12,018 gang-related administrative arrests. This includes 1,965 MS-13 affiliates and 1,553 TDA affiliates.

“In less than a week, the brave patriots of ICE have arrested more than 100 gang members across the country, including members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The best that America has to offer are on the frontlines every day to ensure that the worst of humanity cannot threaten or harm innocent Americans. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are smashing the gangs and cartels, making it impossible for them to do business in America, and removing their members from our country. Arresting and deporting illegal aliens, especially gang members, is how we make America safe again.”

Among the gang members arrested in recent days are:

Gustavo Adolfo Flores-Ramirez, an illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 member, arrested by ICE ERO in Las Vegas on October 14. He is wanted in his home country for charges of aggravated homicide, aggravated femicide, rape of a minor or incapacitated person, illegal or irresponsible handling, carrying, or possession of firearms, illicit grouping, and crimes involving public peace. Flores-Ramirez first illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location, and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in September 2021 and deported to Mexico. He then illegally re-entered the country – a felony – at an unknown date and location.

Jose Luis Perez-Arrias, an illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren de Aragua member, arrested by ICE Miami and ERO Tallahassee in Tallahassee, Florida on October 14. He is a suspected hitman for TDA. Perez-Arrias illegally entered the United States through Texas in October 2023 and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol. He was then RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration.

Emerson Jossiel Calderon-Hernandez, an illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 member, arrested by ICE Washington D.C. on October 13. His criminal history includes a conviction for second-degree assault and arrests for attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and false imprisonment. Calderon-Hernandez illegally entered the United States through Texas in August 2012 and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol. He was then RELEASED into the country by the Obama Administration.

On October 13, HSI Denver and ERO Denver arrested a 14-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela who is associated with Los Piratas Gang, a faction of Tren de Aragua, in Denver, Colorado. At the time of his arrest, he unlawfully had a Glock 48 pistol in his possession. The suspect is currently facing charges of first-degree murder – criminal attempt with extreme indifference, first-degree assault with extreme indifference, first-degree kidnapping, aggravated criminal extortion, illegal discharge of a weapon, and conspiracy.

Mayor Mamdani Launches Outreach Team to Help New Yorkers Keep Medicaid as Federal Cuts Threaten Coverage

 

Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART) will help New Yorkers navigate federal changes that put up to 900,000 residents at risk of losing Medicaid coverage

 

Funded by a $3 million investment in the FY 2027 budget, HART will connect New Yorkers with health insurance enrollment, food assistance, relief from hospital bills and housing support

As the federal government moves to impose new barriers to health care and food assistance, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the NYC Health Department today announced the launch of the Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART), a new outreach team that will help New Yorkers navigate sweeping federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP and connect them with the benefits and services they need.

Staffed by trained community health workers and supported by community-based organizations and volunteers, HART will help New Yorkers enroll in and maintain health coverage, access food assistance and cash benefits, secure housing support and obtain relief from hospital bills.

With new federal Medicaid work requirements set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, as many as 900,000 New Yorkers could be at risk of losing their health coverage. HART will focus on reaching residents most likely to be affected by these changes, including New Yorkers who have already lost SNAP benefits because of expanded federal work requirements.

“Health care and nutritious food should not be a privilege. They are basic necessities,” said Mayor Mamdani. “While the federal government cuts taxes for the ultrawealthy by gutting essential services like SNAP and Medicaid, our administration is bringing help directly into communities. HART will help New Yorkers navigate these changes, keep the benefits they rely on and get the support they need.”

“Nutritious food and access to health care are essential to keeping New York City safe, healthy and affordable,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “Our administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to protecting New Yorkers from the consequences of federal cuts. Through HART, we will connect residents with the services they need and help ensure that no one loses access to critical support simply because navigating the system is too difficult.”

“As the federal government makes massive cuts to health insurance coverage, New York City is stepping up to make essential services more accessible,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Health care, housing and financial stability are foundational to healthy communities. HART will bring trained community health workers into neighborhoods to connect New Yorkers with the resources they need to stay healthy.”

“These federal changes are making it harder for low-income New Yorkers to keep their food and health care benefits,” said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. “The data tells us who is at risk and outreach makes sure we reach them. That approach has helped hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers keep their SNAP benefits, and with the Health Department and HART, we’re expanding this approach to help nearly a million at-risk New Yorkers keep their health insurance.”

Bringing support directly into communities

Funded by a $3 million investment by Mayor Mamdani in Fiscal Year 2027, HART will help New Yorkers maintain health coverage and access other services that support their health and financial stability.

HART community health workers speak a total of 13 languages and bring a range of professional and personal backgrounds to the work. Many have firsthand experience navigating the same health care and food assistance programs they will now help other New Yorkers access.

Outreach workers completed extensive training on federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP, cultural competency, community engagement and relationship-building. Their training also covered coordination with public health organizations, changes in health insurance eligibility and enrollment, and approaches to supporting community mental health.

HART targets key neighborhoods whose residents at risk of losing Medicaid coverage when expanded federal work requirements take effect on January 1, 2027.

In addition to helping New Yorkers enroll in and maintain Medicaid coverage, HART will connect community members with housing assistance, eviction prevention resources, hospital bill relief, and financial assistance for everyday expenses.

Building on the Health Department’s outreach

HART builds on the Health Department’s ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers maintain health coverage and navigate federal policy changes by empowering providers, equipping community partners and connecting residents directly with assistance.

In addition to launching HART, the Mamdani administration has:

• Reached more than 35,000 health care providers and 60,000 community and faith-based partners with guidance and resources to help New Yorkers navigate the federal changes.
• Held more than 50 trainings and engagement sessions, including a monthly webinar series for community partners and health care providers. More than 300 participants attended the first session.
• Hosted the first of a series of provider convenings, bringing together partners from across the health care system who will help New Yorkers navigate the coming changes
• Begun hiring additional enrollment counselors to help New Yorkers obtain or maintain health insurance.  

About federal work requirements

On March 1, the federal government expanded SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Thousands of New Yorkers who were previously exempt must now meet federal work requirements to maintain their benefits.

Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal Medicaid work requirements and additional documentation requirements could put as many as 900,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing their health coverage.

New Yorkers who have lost or are at risk of losing their health insurance can call 347-655-0124 to speak with a NYC Health Department enrollment counselor or visit nyc.gov/medicaidhelp.

HERNANDEZ LAUNCHES STATEWIDE SPANISH-LANGUAGE AD SHARING HIS JOURNEY FROM CUBAN REFUGEE TO THE AMERICAN DREAM

 

Joseph Hernandez, the Republican and Conservative nominee for New York State Comptroller, today launched a statewide Spanish-language advertisement sharing his family's journey from communist Cuba to achieving the American Dream. Hernandez is the only candidate seeking statewide office in New York this election cycle running a Spanish-language advertisement statewide.   The 30-second ad, titled “El Sueño Americano” (“The American Dream”), will air on television and digital platforms across New York, reaching Spanish-speaking voters throughout the state.   In the ad, Hernandez recounts fleeing Cuba with his family at just seven years old in search of freedom and opportunity. His father washed dishes while his mother cleaned houses to support their family. Through their sacrifices and hard work, Hernandez went on to build businesses, raise three children, and achieve his American Dream. Now, he is running for State Comptroller to ensure that same opportunity remains possible for every New Yorker.   “My parents came to America with nothing but hope and worked tirelessly to give our family a better life,” said Hernandez. “That is the story of so many hardworking families across New York. But today, too many New Yorkers are working harder, paying more, and watching the American Dream slip away. I’m running to stand up for taxpayers, hold Albany accountable, and make sure every New Yorker has the same opportunity this country gave me.”

WATCH THE FULL AD HERE

Mamdani and Hochul Bring 2-K to All of the Bronx and Staten Island, Adding 10,000 Seats Across Every Borough

 

More than 12,000 children in all five boroughs will have access to 2-K beginning in fall 2027, advancing New York City’s path toward universal child care

 

Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul expanding 2-K to a majority of all NYC school districts  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the school districts that will receive the next 10,000 2-K seats in fall 2027, expanding the program to every borough, every Bronx school district and all of Staten Island.

Building on the historic launch of 2-K earlier this year and strong demand from families, the expansion will bring free, high-quality, culturally responsive child care and early education to more than 12,000 families beginning in fall 2027. To celebrate the announcement, the Mayor and Governor joined families and child care providers at a Bronx trampoline park to hop, bounce and leap toward a more affordable city for working families.

On the eighth day of his administration, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the launch of 2-K in five school districts around New York City for fall 2026. Families submitted more than 5,700 applications for the first 2,000 seats. Backed by a $1.2 billion State investment, this expansion advances the City’s vision of universal child care for children from six weeks to five years old.

“For far too many New York City families, the joy of welcoming a child comes with a terrifying set of questions: How will I afford child care? Will I need to give up my job? Will I be forced to leave the city I love? Today, for 10,000 more families, we have an answer,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From Co-op City in the Bronx to Staten Island’s South Shore, we’re bringing 2-K to every borough and making New York City more affordable for working people. Families have told us what they need. Together with Governor Hochul, we are delivering.”

“Generations of parents have had to contend with the stress of child care costs in this city and state – but thanks to our partnership with Mayor Mamdani, that’s changing,” Governor Hochul said. “Last month, we stood together to celebrate the first day of 2-K in New York City, welcoming more than 2,000 kids to their new classrooms. Now, we’re pleased to announce the next phase, expanding the program to 10,000 more families across the city, including all of the Bronx and Staten Island. This is how we deliver real relief for working families, and make sure our kids get the best possible start in life.”

“As an educator and a parent, I know that education begins long before kindergarten. These early years are critical to building the foundation for lifelong learning, curiosity, confidence, and connection," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "Universal 2K doesn't just help working New Yorkers, it gives our youngest learners a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success, and I'm proud to be a part of an administration that invests in our families from the very start."

“Expanding 2-K to reach 10,000 additional children is a critical step toward delivering universal child care for all New Yorkers,” said Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. “We have learned valuable lessons from parents and providers as we launched the first 2,000 seats this year. Continued engagement with families, educators and communities will inform and strengthen the program as we expand.”

The expansion will bring 2-K programs to 17 more of the City’s 32 geographic school districts, covering all five boroughs and bringing the total to 22 school districts. The City will also expand capacity in the five districts already offering 2-K to better meet demand.

In addition to the entirety of the Bronx and Staten Island, the below neighborhoods will newly be receiving 2-K seats:

Manhattan

• School District 4: East Harlem; Randall’s Island 
• School District 5: Central Harlem; East Harlem; Manhattanville / West Harlem; Morningside Heights; Hamilton Heights / Sugar Hill

Brooklyn

• School District 16: Bedford-Stuyvesant, including Stuyvesant Heights; as well as parts of northern Crown Heights and Ocean Hill 
• School District 17: Crown Heights; Prospect Lefferts Gardens; Wingate; Prospect Heights; Flatbush; East Flatbush; as well as parts of Erasmus, Farragut, Rugby, Remsen Village, Ocean Hill and Brownsville
• School District 19: East New York; New Lots; Cypress Hills; City Line; Spring Creek; Starrett City; as well as parts of Ocean Hill, Brownsville and Canarsie
• School District 20: Bay Ridge; Fort Hamilton; Dyker Heights; Bath Beach; as well as parts of Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Sunset Park, Kensington, Gravesend, Mapleton / western Midwood and western Flatbush 
• School District 21: Coney Island; Sea Gate; Brighton Beach; Gravesend; Homecrest; Mapleton / Ocean Parkway; Midwood; as well as parts of Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Madison and western Flatbush
• School District 32: Bushwick; as well as parts of East Williamsburg and northern Bedford-Stuyvesant

Queens

• School District 24: Corona, including North Corona; Elmhurst; Maspeth; Middle Village; Ridgewood; Glendale; Sunnyside; Woodside; as well as parts of Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodhaven, Forest Hills and Long Island City
• School District 28: Rego Park; Forest Hills; Kew Gardens; Briarwood; Jamaica Hills; Jamaica; South Jamaica; Richmond Hill; South Richmond Hill; South Ozone Park; Baisley Park; Rochdale Village; Springfield Gardens; as well as parts of Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest, St. Albans, Glendale, Corona and Elmhurst
• School District 29: Queens Village; Cambria Heights; Hollis; St. Albans; Laurelton; Rosedale; Springfield Gardens; Brookville; portions of Bellerose, Jamaica Estates, Holliswood, Hillcrest, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica and South Jamaica

The expansion builds on the five districts where 2-K launched in fall 2026: District 6 in Manhattan, District 10 in the Bronx, Districts 18 and 23 in Brooklyn and District 27 in Queens.

Today’s announcement builds on the City’s broader efforts to advance universal child care. The Mamdani administration is moving more than 10,000 children off the child care voucher waitlist and has invested nearly $700,000 in early childhood educator apprenticeships to strengthen the City’s ability to recruit, train and retain educators.

As 2-K expands, the City is also working to ensure child care providers have the support they need to deliver high-quality care. In August, the City announced an overhaul of the New York City Public Schools’ (NYCPS) Division of Early Childhood Education contracting and procurement processes to increase transparency, shorten timelines, improve customer service and create more opportunities for provider input. The City also announced a plan to hire more than 200 new staff members at NYCPS to strengthen the agency’s capacity to deliver these essential services. In September, NYCPS outlined broader procurement reforms to modernize and strengthen its contracting processes.

To help prepare for fall 2027, the City will release a survey for providers that currently contract with NYCPS and a Request for Information (RFI) for new providers interested in offering 2-K services. Both will be released within the next week. Additional information will be available here.

2-K will continue to be offered through center-based child care programs and licensed family child care programs. The default operating model will remain a full-day, full-year program.

More information about the fall 2027 application timeline for families will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about child care options for children under five in New York City, visit nyc.gov/childcare.

“This dramatic expansion of 2K will help reach neighborhoods across the five boroughs and ensure that our kids have the resources to thrive at an early age, regardless of their zip code or household income,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “By running all day and all year, the program will support and empower working families. I thank the mayor for prioritizing this initiative and issue, and look forward to seeing it ultimately implemented in a way that enables access to everyone seeking a seat.”

“This expansion represents tangible progress towards affordability for working families with kids in New York City, and gives new and prospective parents a stronger reason to stay,” said City Comptroller Mark Levine. “These steps are critical to support our workforce, as they will draw and keep jobs and business here. I look forward to these 2K seats filling up for next fall, and continuing to work alongside Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul and others in advancing the effort to bring universal childcare to New Yorkers.”