CITY OF NEWBURGH, N.Y. – A razor-thin victory in the June Ward 3 Democratic primary for Newburgh City Council has sparked serious allegations of voter fraud, with local party leaders accusing the winning candidate of offering food in exchange for votes.
Ann Marie Hines, a Democrat and 20-year city resident, narrowly defeated opponent Tamika Stewart by a single vote — 151 to 150 — for the open seat vacated by retiring Councilman Bob Sklarz. Now, the City of Newburgh Democratic Committee’s Chairwoman Jules Ridgeway and Vice Chairwoman Deborah Danzy allege that Hines violated state election law by giving dozens of senior citizens free meals from her Jamaican restaurant in exchange for their support and submission of early voting mail ballots (EVBM).
Allegations of Targeting Seniors
According to Ridgeway, at least six senior citizens have signed affidavits claiming Hines offered takeout meals in exchange for votes. The food was reportedly delivered door-to-door. Ridgeway said these complaints were brought directly to party leadership by voters themselves.
Stewart, who remains on the November ballot with the Working Families Party endorsement, condemned the alleged conduct.
“The fact that she targeted senior citizens is even more infuriating,” Stewart said. “She went to a population already vulnerable and living on a fixed income and bribed them. Imagine what she will do if she’s sitting on the council.”
Danzy echoed these concerns, stating Hines targeted residents in her senior high-rise on Lake Street as well as two other senior complexes. She also questioned the involvement of Hines’ campaign manager, Maria Valentin, who serves as the mayor’s secretary.
Disputed Vote Counts and Petition Issues
The race’s mail-in ballot numbers have also raised eyebrows. Hines submitted nearly 100 absentee ballots — more than double the amount ever seen in a City of Newburgh election — compared to Stewart’s 20.
Public records show Hines registered to vote on March 10 of this year and began collecting petition signatures the next day. She submitted around 300 signatures, but over 100 were deemed invalid by the Orange County Board of Elections for not matching registered voters.
Candidate Response
Hines dismissed the accusations as politically motivated and without merit.
“Ever since Stewart knew I was running, she made false accusations against me,” Hines said. “Stop being a sore loser and accept what the voters decided. It’s a political ploy, and it makes no sense.”
She insisted that the claims are “unfounded and baseless,” accusing her opponent of undermining the democratic process.
Legal Ramifications
Under New York State election law, offering “any money or other valuable consideration” to influence a voter’s choice is a Class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison. Legal experts note that a meal can qualify as “valuable consideration” if provided in direct exchange for a vote.
Ridgeway said the Democratic Committee will pursue the matter with county and state officials, emphasizing her responsibility to protect the integrity of local elections.
“The state laws give us clear guidelines, and Ms. Hines and her campaign seem to be in direct violation,” Ridgeway said.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not yet announced whether formal charges will be filed.
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