New York City Board of Elections Apologizes for Brooklyn Voter Purge — But Dismisses Calls for Reform

It was supposed to be a conversation about dollars and cents. But a Friday afternoon budget hearing for the Board of Elections spent more time on another topic: the Brooklyn voter purge.

Executive Director Michael Ryan fell on his sword early addressing what happened during New York's presidential primary.

“The Board recognizes that the actions taken in Kings County should not have occurred,” Ryan said. He added, “The Board recognizes that these actions contributed to reducing public confidence in the election process.”

That action, first reported by WNYC in the days before the election, was the mysterious purge of active voters from the Brooklyn voter rolls. The largest drop in real numbers was among Brooklyn Democrats, but the purge cut across all parties, removing some 120,000 voters.

“So how does this happen?” asked Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras. “If you're the executive director and you have oversight, how does Brooklyn, Kings County, make that decision without letting you know that this is a step that they're going to take before an election?”

Ryan said the Brooklyn office just didn't tell him.

“They did it on their own. And they did it on their own with a misinterpretation of the procedures which are posted on our website and widely known,” said Ryan.

That's why, he said, the two top clerks are currently suspended without pay.

But he also said the ultimate disciplinary decision will be made by the Boards ten commissioners.

Since it was a budget hearing, the big question was whether the Board would accept the mayor's $20 million offer to make reforms to its operations. The Board has made no such commitments.

Executive director Ryan made clear the board believes the city has limited power to force change through local legislation.

“With respect to our relationship with the City Council,” said Ryan, “that deals with budgetary matters only.”