Allegations of Unethical Hiring Practices
A growing number of election workers in the Bronx claim they were pressured into making payments to secure jobs at polling stations, shedding light on alleged unethical hiring practices within the New York City Board of Elections. According to multiple sources, some workers were told they needed to pay $150 to be assigned to election roles—fees that were often recorded as donations to the Bronx Republican Party. While the payments were relatively modest, they raised concerns about integrity in the hiring process and the broader electoral system.
These allegations come in the wake of a federal investigation that led to the indictment of Nicole Torres, an employee of the Board of Elections. Prosecutors charged her with extortion, bribery, and fraud, claiming she accepted kickbacks in exchange for placing Bronx residents in temporary election positions. Court records indicate she is expected to plead guilty in April, though her attorney has declined to comment. Despite the indictment, workers insist that this Pay-to-Play Scheme extends beyond Torres, pointing to a deep-rooted issue within the election board.
Deep-Rooted Issues Within the Election System
Election workers say these hiring practices have been ongoing for years, with some workers reporting that payments were mandatory and that failing to pay could result in losing their positions. Some were also asked to collect signatures to support Republican candidates’ ballot eligibility. Federal grand jury subpoenas issued last spring sought details about the selection, training, and placement of poll workers, as well as any payments linked to these jobs. This suggests a broader investigation into whether the practice was systemic.
Experts caution that pay-to-play scheme could erode public confidence in the election process. Joanna Zdanys, deputy director of elections and government at the Brennan Center for Justice, emphasized that if these accusations are accurate, they represent a serious breach of democratic principles. She highlighted the long-standing reputation of the city’s election board for prioritizing political favoritism over merit-based hiring, further eroding trust in the institution.
Voices from the Election Workforce
Several workers shared their personal experiences, detailing how they were approached for payments and given promises of election jobs in return. One worker recounted being instructed to pay $170—$150 for a fundraising dinner and $20 to join the Bronx Republican Party. Although the dinner was canceled due to the pandemic, the money was never refunded and was instead deemed a donation. State campaign finance records confirm multiple such transactions linked to poll workers.
Other workers revealed that some were even given loans to cover the payments, which they had to repay with interest. Meanwhile, those who refused to pay faced uncertainty regarding their job assignments. Staceyann Deleon and Charles Perkins, both veteran poll workers, reported hearing widespread claims of these payments among colleagues. John Perez, a former Democratic district leader, also stated that he personally witnessed such arrangements.
Despite the mounting allegations pay-to-play scheme, officials have remained largely silent. The chairman of the Bronx Republican Party declined to comment, while a Board of Elections spokesperson stated that they had cooperated with investigators but had not received further updates. As the case unfolds, many are left questioning whether further charges will emerge and what reforms may be necessary to restore confidence in the election process.
