Did Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Daughters Break Election Day Law?

It’s not every day you see a former governor walking into your local polling place, but that’s exactly what happened yesterday when Andrew Cuomo showed up to cast his vote in the New York City mayoral election. Cuomo, who was running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani, was hoping for a political comeback.

You’d think the cameras would’ve been focused on him, right? Not this time. The real buzz wasn’t about Cuomo’s ballot or his campaign, it was about what his daughters wore when they joined him.

Cuomo’s Daughters Spark Election Day Controversy Over Sweatshirts

It started as one of those “aww” moments, a dad voting with his girls, showing that family bond even in politics. But in true New York fashion, it didn’t stay heartwarming for long. Photos started making the rounds online of Mariah and Michaela Kennedy Cuomo sporting matching “Cuomo for Mayor” sweatshirts inside the polling station.

What might’ve seemed like a simple show of support for their dad quickly turned into something else - a possible violation of election law that had social media talking before the votes were even counted.

Cuomo’s Daughters’ Polling Place Outfits Raise Legal Questions

At first glance, it looked innocent enough. But to anyone familiar with New York’s election rules, that sweatshirt choice was a red flag. According to Newsweek, campaign gear like that isn’t allowed inside polling sites. It’s considered a form of electioneering, the same as holding up a sign or handing out flyers.

Jerry Goldfeder, who leads the Voting Rights and Democracy Project at Fordham University, told Newsweek that any clothing or items showing support for a candidate must stay at least 100 feet away from the polls. So if those pictures really were taken inside, the “Cuomo for Mayor” sweatshirts could technically be a misdemeanor under state election law.

Social Media Explodes Over Cuomo Family’s Election Day Move

You know how the internet works, if there’s even a hint of controversy, people are going to find it, screenshot it, and have opinions about it. One person on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Cuomo’s daughter and partner wearing campaign paraphernalia violates NY election law. It is a misdemeanor to conduct electioneering inside a polling place!”

Another user asked why Cuomo’s family was wearing campaign gear at the polls and questioned why he was holding a press conference right outside the doors. Even people who don’t normally weigh in on politics couldn’t resist commenting, saying the Cuomos should’ve known better.

Record Voter Turnout as Zohran Mamdani Beats Cuomo for Mayor

While the internet debated the sweatshirts, New Yorkers were busy making history. The city’s Board of Elections reported that more than 2 million people voted, the highest turnout for a mayoral race since 1969. Despite his push to rebrand himself as an independent candidate, Cuomo didn’t manage to pull off the win. That honor went to Zohran Mamdani, who will become New York City’s next mayor.

Will Cuomo’s Daughters Face Consequences Over Election Law Flap?

As for Cuomo’s daughters, it’s not clear whether any official consequences are coming their way. The Board of Elections hasn’t said if it plans to investigate, and it’s possible the whole thing will fade away as just another wild New York election day story. Still, it’s a reminder that when it comes to voting, even something as small as what you wear can spark big headlines.