About Us

In cooperation with other Federal and New York State law enforcement agencies, the DELE is tasked with the responsibility of investigating allegations and gathering evidence in order to determine the proper disposition of complaints alleging violations of the NYS Election Law.  The general powers and duties of the CEC, and the general function of the DELE, are set forth in NYS Election Law §§ 3-100(3-a) and 3-104.  State of New York 2023 Election Law

The DELE is a law enforcement agency consisting of the CEC, Associate Counsels, Special Investigators, Investigative Auditors, an Election Enforcement Technical Analyst, and support staff. The CEC and Special Investigators are also designated as Peace Officers.

On March 31, 2014, as the result of interim findings of the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Public Trust Act into law.  That Act amended the New York State Election Law to create within the New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE) a new, interdependent enforcement division known as the Division of Election Law Enforcement (DELE). Pursuant to NYS Election Law, the former Governor appointed, and the NYS Assembly and the NYS Senate confirmed a Chief Enforcement Counsel (CEC) to head the DELE, effective September 1, 2014.  Thereafter, effective June 10, 2021, the current CEC, Michael L. Johnson, was appointed by the former Governor and confirmed by both houses of the State Legislature.   

The New York State Board of Elections Division of Election Law Enforcement is responsible for protecting the integrity of the New York State election process by providing transparency and fair enforcement of all elections and campaign finance laws that fall under its jurisdiction.

The NYS Legislature created the New York State of Board of Elections Division of Election Law Enforcement in 2014, by bill S6355/A855 (L.2014, c. 55, pt. H, subpt. B, §§ 2, 2-a, eff. June 29, 2014.).

Read the Bill

This bill was codified at NYS Election Law § 3-100(3-a), with further expansion at NYS Election Law § 3-104.

Statute

All work of the New York State Board of Elections Division of Election Law Enforcement (DELE) is confidential. The disclosure of DELE materials not only has the potential to impede or obstruct investigations but potentially undermines principles of fundamental fairness in investigations and prosecutions.  Therefore, the DELE does not comment on whether complaints have been received, investigations are undertaken, or the status of complaints or investigations. 

Division of Election Law Enforcement  
NYS Board of Elections  
40 North Pearl Street, Suite 10-D  
Albany, NY 12207 

Phone: (518) 486-7858 
Fax: (518) 457-5247 

Email: [email protected] 

Hours

Monday through Friday 
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.