AG James Announces Investigation into Election Disinformation Robocalls
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday that her office is actively investigating allegations that voters are receiving robocalls spreading disinformation encouraging people to stay home on Election Day.
“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy,” James said. “Attempts to hinder voters from exercising their right to cast their ballots are disheartening, disturbing, and wrong. What’s more is that it is illegal, and it will not be tolerated. Every voter must be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote without being harassed, coerced, or intimidated. Our nation has a legacy of free and fair elections, and this election will be no different. Voters should rest assured that voting is safe and secure, and they should exercise their fundamental right to vote in confidence. We, along with state leaders across the nation, are working hard to protecting your right to vote, and anyone who tries to hinder that right will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Earlier this week, the OAG issued subpoenas to investigate the source of these robocalls allegedly spreading disinformation. Her office remains vigilant in protecting the right to vote and encourages New York voters who receive concerning disinformation, or face issues at the polls today, to contact her office’s Election Protection Hotline at 1-800-771-7755.
Sanders to Host Event on Digital Divide
State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D–Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, Edgemere, Bayswater, Arverne and Far Rockaway) will be hosting an event called “Breaking Through the Digital Divide in Southeast Queens: A Virtual Conference to Bring Digital Equity to Southeast Queens.”
The event will address a number of issues as they relate to the digital divide including bringing better broadband service to the community, advocacy to engage government and the private sector, increased access to computer devices with special attention to the digital needs of seniors and those living in shelters.
It will also discuss capacity building and digital skills upgrades, the impact of the digital divide on arts, culture and music, and perhaps most importantly on mental health.
The community has experienced the impact of the digital divide in some way, and if left unattended, conditions will only worsen. This is not just about better Internet connectivity for casually surfing the web. Connection to the Internet is a lifeline in so many ways, allowing us access to people and services that are vital to our daily function. Whether it’s attending classes from home, working remotely, virtual health exams, or checking in on an elderly relative, we cannot be divided.
The virtual event will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Suozzi Delivers PPE Across Northeast Queens
Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Little Neck, Whitestone, Glen Oaks and Floral Park, parts of Long Island) distributed more than 10,000 pieces of personal protective masks to residents, hospitals, and community groups across Northeast Queens last week.
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across our region and the country, Suozzi stressed the importance of mask-wearing, social distancing, and efforts New Yorkers can take to keep our communities safe.
“As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across our region, we must continue to maintain physical distancing and wear masks,” said Suozzi. “I am proud to partner with residents, community groups, and hospitals in Queens to do all we can to keep people safe. Together, we must ensure everyone is safe as we head into the winter.”
Over the course of two days, Suozzi made five stops across Northeast Queens. Suozzi began Monday’s mask distribution at the Korean Church of Queens in Elmhurst, New York and concluded at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside, New York. During the Monday push, Suozzi delivered over 5,000 masks, met with Queens residents, health officials, and local community groups, as well as members of the Korean community in Queens.
On Tuesday, Suozzi’s mask distribution efforts began at Commonpoint Queens Samuel Field Center in Little Neck, New York. While there, Suozzi joined Commonpoint Queens in delivering their one-millionth pound of food to families in need. Suozzi’s afternoon then concluded at the Queens County Farm Museum and the Glen Oaks Village Co-op. During the Tuesday push, Suozzi delivered 7,000 masks.
This was Suozzi’s fifth distribution effort of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to residents and community groups in Northeast Queens. The masks that were distributed were donated by the City of New York.
