Shah J. Choudhury
New York , July 26, 2025
The New York City Board of Elections (BOE) has officially requested the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office to launch a full investigation into suspected voter fraud after a shocking exposé by the New York Post revealed that absentee ballots were cast in the names of two individuals who died nearly a decade ago.
What Happened?
In the Republican primary election for City Council District 47, the BOE identified and invalidated at least 22 absentee ballots due to what it called “possible fraud.”
Among those were ballots submitted under the identities of two people long deceased, sparking serious concerns over election integrity.
With the margin between the two candidates being just 32 votes—later reduced to 16 votes after a manual recount—the discovery of fraudulent ballots could potentially affect the outcome of the race.
BOE’s Response:
In a statement, the NYC BOE said:
“We acted quickly to identify the irregularities, cancel the suspect ballots, and refer the matter to the proper authorities for criminal investigation.”
In response to the allegations, the BOE has already reassigned several election office staff and has seized devices and internal materials to assist with the investigation.
Candidates React:
George Sarantopoulos, the candidate currently leading by 16 votes, welcomed the board’s actions:
“This goes beyond an election—it’s about the trust in our democratic process. I fully support the investigation.”
His opponent, Ricky Barsamian, has yet to issue any public statement regarding the fraud allegations.
What Happens Next?
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. If fraud or criminal activity is confirmed, legal action could be taken against those responsible.
The official certification of the election results remains pending as the review process continues. A final decision is expected sometime next week.
Editorial Note:
Incidents like this not only undermine the outcome of a specific election but also erode public confidence in the broader democratic system. Transparency, accountability, and swift legal action are essential to restore trust.
