Fact Check: Did Andrew Cuomo daughters break the New York election laws while he was voting?

NEWYORK CITY, NEWYORK: The two daughters of former Governor Andrew Cuomo have been accused of breaking New York election laws by wearing “Cuomo for Mayor” sweatshirts while accompanying their father to cast his ballot in the mayoral election on Tuesday, November 4.

Both daughters sparked controversy after their appearance at a New York City polling site went viral. Let’s break down the claim and see what’s true.

Claim: Daughters of Andrew Cuomo broke New York election laws

Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo and Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo, along with Mariah’s husband, Tellef Lundevall, were seen wearing “Cuomo for Mayor” sweatshirts inside the High School of Art and Design polling location. 

According to Jerry Goldfeder, an adjunct professor and director of the Voting Rights and Democracy Project at Fordham University, this constitutes a form of campaigning prohibited within polling sites. 

Fact Check: Cuomo daughters violated New York election laws by wearing campaign apparel

The controversy arises because New York election laws prohibit campaign paraphernalia inside polling sites. Wearing clothes or accessories that express support for a candidate is considered a form of electioneering and is therefore not allowed.

Jerry Goldfeder confirmed to Newsweek that such clothing inside polling stations violates the law, as it constitutes campaigning. He added that campaign-related items can only be worn at least 100 feet away from a polling site, putting the former governor’s daughters in apparent violation.

Electioneering laws vary by state, but New York’s regulations are clear. According to the New York State Senate website, “While the polls are open, no person shall do any electioneering within the polling place, or in any public street within a one hundred foot radius measured from the entrances designated by the inspectors of election... and no political banner, button, poster or placard shall be allowed within such one hundred foot radius.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) also confirms these restrictions apply to campaign apparel and signage near polling stations. 

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