GOSHEN, NY – Allegations of voter fraud in Newburgh’s Ward 3 Democratic primary may soon lead to an official investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Close Primary Race Sparks Allegations
The controversy stems from the June 2025 Ward 3 primary election, where Ann Marie Hines, a Democrat, narrowly defeated opponent Tamika Stewart by a single vote, 151-150.
Following the election, party leaders alleged that Hines engaged in misconduct by offering meals from her downtown Jamaican restaurant to senior citizens in exchange for their support and early voting mail ballots.
Democratic Party Leaders Raise Concerns
Jules Ridgeway, Chairwoman of the City of Newburgh Democratic Party, said she has already been contacted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office regarding the issue and believes the Sheriff’s Office will soon begin a formal investigation.
“Since early June, we’ve followed the proper channels to report these concerns, and we respect the investigative process,” Ridgeway said. “We appreciate that all of the agencies involved are taking the matter seriously and treating it with the importance it deserves.”
Her vice chairwoman echoed those concerns, pointing to affidavits reportedly signed by several senior citizens. According to Ridgeway, the seniors claimed that Hines provided free meals and delivered them door-to-door in exchange for votes.
Stewart, who lost the race by just one vote, said she welcomes an investigation.
“I’m happy for people to learn about the process and to see what really happened,” Stewart said.
Refusal to Address Allegations
Ridgeway said she attempted to reach out multiple times to Hines and her campaign manager, Maria Valentin, to discuss the allegations. However, both have refused to engage in any conversation on the matter.
When first questioned by local media, Hines dismissed the accusations outright, calling them “unfounded and baseless.”
What the Law Says
Under New York State election law, it is illegal for any candidate or representative to offer or provide “money or other valuable consideration” to influence a person’s vote.
Meals can be considered “valuable consideration” if provided specifically in exchange for voting for a candidate. Such an act constitutes a Class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.
Legal experts note that the case could hinge on whether investigators determine the meals were intended to directly influence votes or were simply unrelated acts of goodwill.
Hines’ Background and Campaign
Hines, who has lived in Newburgh for 20 years, registered to vote for the first time on March 10, 2025. The following day, she began collecting petition signatures for her campaign.
Her rapid political rise and razor-thin victory have placed her under intense scrutiny as questions about election integrity dominate city politics.
Next Steps in the Case
With affidavits reportedly signed and forwarded to authorities, investigators are expected to interview witnesses and review evidence in the coming weeks. The Sheriff’s Office has not yet confirmed when its investigation will formally begin.
For now, the future of Hines’ candidacy and possible criminal charges remain uncertain.
Key Points
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Race: Ward 3 Democratic primary, Newburgh
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Result: Ann Marie Hines defeated Tamika Stewart, 151-150
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Allegations: Hines provided free meals to senior citizens in exchange for ballots
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Law: Such actions could constitute voter fraud, a Class E felony carrying up to 4 years in prison
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Status: Sheriff’s Office investigation expected soon
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Response: Hines denies allegations, calling them baseless
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