Local News: October 27, 2023

- Early voting begins on Saturday, state Attorney General announces and election protection hotline -

Early voting starts on Saturday, October 28. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has launched an election protection hotline for any voters experiencing problems. There is also a frequently asked questions guide is available to help voters with absentee ballot or voter registration problems. Complaints can be submitted through an online form or by calling a hotline. Links to them are on our website, WRFI dot org slash news. Early voting will last through November 5. The general election is on Tuesday, November 7.

- Hochul signs bills expanding domestic ‘red flag’ laws -

New York’s “Red Flag” laws have been expanded to cover incidents of gender-based and intimate partner violence. Under the law, judges can issue “extreme risk protection orders” that will prevent someone accused of domestic violence from possessing a firearm. The Albany Times Union reports that until now the laws only related to domestic violence cases. Governor Kathy Hochul announced $1 million to train community organizations on how to file for orders to have weapons removed from alleged abusers. Advocates of the law say they help save lives by removing firearms from homes where abuse is happening. The law is heading to the U.S. Supreme Court. Opponents of ‘Red Flag’ laws say they deny people of their Second Amendment rights who have not been convicted of any crime.

- Cornell Police increase patrols, presence as students, faculty face threats, harassment over the Israel-Hamas war -

Tensions on Cornell’s campus are rising on the war between Israel and Hamas. Last week, University President Martha Pollock announced that Cornell police patrols and presence on the campus had been increased. The Ithaca Voice says the change was made as some students and faculty members reported having their photographs, home addresses, and other personal information made public on websites or fliers around the campus. Students who have spoken or attended rallies have reported having their photographs taken, being intimidated while attending pro-Palestinian rallies, or being followed home after events. On Wednesday, students held rallies, one in support of Israel, and another in support of the Palestinian people.