NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — At his weekly media availability on Monday Mayor Eric Adams talked about the city’s plans to keep Election Day safe and running smoothly, but refused to mention Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris by name, citing the advice of his legal team.
After discussing the election, largely regarding election safety, Adams—a Democrat who endorsed Harris slightly after her candidacy was announced—was asked if he had any “final pitch” for voters as they hit the polls tomorrow.
In response, he said “Get out to vote.”
Reporters noticed the mayor’s lack of direct reference to his preferred candidate, and when asked about it, pointed to his legal team.
“I have to be extremely careful. Everything I do is critiqued highly, and I have to be careful. And if I’m doing electioneering here at this podium, you’re going to write a story on me,” Adams said. “So I got to understand what I’m doing. So my legal team said, ‘Eric, here’s what you can do and what you can’t do. And I have to make sure I do it correctly. So you’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t.”
Adams is charged with bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy after an investigation by the FBI found that the mayor allegedly abused his position of power to receive illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals in exchange for favors and influence. His trial date was recently set for April 21.
“Everyone knows who I endorse,” the mayor continued. “Everyone knew that I left this beautiful city to go to the Windy City as a superdelegate. So I don’t know how much more enthusiasm you need from me to do so.”
The mayor had more to say about Election Day safety and security, promising that there would be two officers at every polling location in the city, and that the NYPD’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division is monitoring any issues. Those officials, under direction from Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner, will be monitoring checks and channels and deploy personnel if needed, he said.
Adams also expressed confidence in the New York City Board of Elections, stating that “they do a Herculean job each year that we have elections, and I think they’re going to continue to do so.”
He encouraged New Yorkers experiencing difficulties or with concerns about voting to contact 311 or the Board of Elections at 866-868-3692.
“Overall, you see our democracy being protected, and if there are concerns, there are ways of reporting those concerns,” Adams said.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. across NYC tomorrow. Check your polling location on the Board of Elections website.