Latest York City voters are grappling with concerns about election integrity following the release of undercover video footage appearing to show a Board of Elections worker stating he would process voter registration applications submitted by individuals who are not U.S. Citizens. The revelation has sparked debate about safeguards in the voter registration process and potential vulnerabilities to fraudulent activity.
The video, captured by Muckraker, depicts a reporter posing as a non-citizen attempting to register to vote. According to the footage, the Board of Elections worker acknowledged that non-citizens occasionally attempt to register, but stated it was “not [his] job to report anyone.” The worker reportedly indicated he would accept the application despite the legal requirements for citizenship, though he cautioned the applicant about potential “legal situations” that could arise from submitting a false application.
“I can’t share you what to do. If you want to fill it out, fill it out,” the worker allegedly said in the video. “But everything is clearly stated, especially at the bottom. It says American citizen. So I’m letting you know, if you fill that out, and you’re not [a citizen]. If it comes back to you, it comes back to you. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.” He further clarified that his role is simply to “collect the application and submit it to the department.”
Legal Framework and Previous Challenges
It is currently illegal for non-citizens to register to vote in New York state. This principle was recently reinforced when a measure aimed at allowing non-citizens to vote in local municipal elections in New York City was ruled unconstitutional last year. The ruling underscored the existing legal restrictions surrounding voter eligibility. The issue of non-citizen voting has become a focal point in national debates about election security and access. In Ohio, officials recently uncovered over 1,000 instances of non-citizens “appearing” registered to vote, with those cases being sent to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution, according to reporting from multiple news outlets.
The Board of Elections worker in the Muckraker video reportedly told the reporter that while he wouldn’t prevent someone from submitting an application, he advised the reporter that they “gotta be a citizen to fill it out.” When the reporter indicated they were a green card holder from Canada, the worker reiterated the citizenship requirement.
Concerns and Calls for Review
The release of this video has prompted calls for a review of training procedures and protocols within the New York City Board of Elections. Critics argue that the worker’s statements suggest a lack of awareness or enforcement of existing laws regarding voter eligibility. Election integrity advocates emphasize the importance of robust verification processes to prevent fraudulent registrations and maintain public trust in the electoral system.
The incident also raises questions about the potential for similar situations to occur at other voter registration locations. While the worker in the video acknowledged the legal requirements for citizenship, his willingness to accept the application despite the applicant’s admission of non-citizenship is raising concerns among those focused on election security.
The New York City Board of Elections has not yet issued a public statement regarding the video or the worker’s statements as of February 18, 2026.
As investigations continue and further details emerge, the focus will likely shift to evaluating the effectiveness of current voter registration safeguards and identifying areas for improvement to ensure the integrity of future elections. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect the democratic process.
What steps will the New York City Board of Elections take to address these concerns and reinforce training on voter eligibility requirements? Share your thoughts in the comments below.