Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent in the New York City mayoral election, cast his vote on Tuesday accompanied by his two daughters, Mariah Kennedy Cuomo and Michaela Kennedy Cuomo.
The Controversial Outfits
Both Mariah and Michaela were photographed at the polling place wearing “Cuomo for Mayor” sweatshirts.
Why the Outfits Sparked Controversy
The outfits worn by Cuomo’s daughters sparked controversy because they allegedly violate New York State election laws regarding electioneering at polling sites.
- The Law: New York election law prohibits wearing or displaying campaign paraphernalia—including clothing endorsing a particular candidate—inside a polling site. This is considered a form of illegal campaigning.
- Expert Interpretation: According to Jerry Goldfeder, an adjunct professor at Fordham University and director of the Voting Rights and Democracy Project, campaign merchandise is only permitted if worn at least 100 feet away from the polling location. Wearing such items inside is defined as a misdemeanor under election law.
- Public Reaction: Internet users immediately pointed out the potential violation, with one X user writing, “Cuomo’s daughter and partner wearing campaign paraphernalia violates NY election law. It is a misdemeanor to conduct electioneering inside a polling place!”
The former Governor lost the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani but is running in the general election as an independent candidate.