Council Dems Tap Brooklyn Party Powerhouse as Board of Elections Commissioner in Closed-Door Vote

Background

Former Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Frank Seddio was unanimously approved as a commissioner on the city’s Board of Elections by the City Council’s Democratic caucus following a more contentious closed-door vote by its Brooklyn members.

Seddio now serves as one of ten commissioners — one Democrat and Republican from each borough — overseeing the administrative staff that runs elections for New York City’s 5.3 million registered voters.

Confirmation Process

His confirmation by Council Democrats, on Jan. 13, came despite objections from good government groups and a number of the party’s political clubs, and without any formal opportunity for public comment.

While state election law does not require the Council to hold a public hearing or vote on Board of Elections commissioners, it’s conducted both for previous Board of Elections appointments as recently as 2023.

Concerns and Controversy

Ben Weinberg, director of public policy at Citizens Union, one of the groups that opposed Seddio’s nomination, said they had urged the Council to exercise its power to pick a commissioner with “experience and fitness to administer elections” rather than elevate a party insider without any public consideration of his fitness.

“It’s not only about Seddio. It’s about giving the public a chance to know and to voice their opinion about the officials who are going to run elections in New York City,” he said.

State Law and Procedure

According to state law, Board of Election commissioners in New York City are proposed by party leaders from each borough, with the Council then having the option to approve or reject the pick.

Julia Agos, a spokesperson for the Council, deferred to members Chi Ossé and Farah Louis, who co-chair the Democratic delegation from Brooklyn. A spokesperson for Louis didn’t respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Brooklyn Council Members’ Vote

Elijah Fox, a spokesperson for Ossé’s office, said that Brooklyn council members had split 8 to 5 over Seddio’s appointment in a vote before the citywide Democratic delegation’s vote, with Ossé opposing Seddio. Progressive Councilmembers Shahana Hanif and Lincoln Restler also said they opposed Seddio at that point.

The Board of Elections

The city’s Board of Elections, where staff for virtually every post is still hand-picked by Democratic and Republican party leaders, has been battered by scandals over the years about everything from illegal voter-roll purges to allegations of nepotism.

Most recently, as first exposed by THE CITY, the city Department of Investigation found that executive director Mike Ryan, hired by the board to lead its staff, had made inappropriate racial and sexual remarks to female colleagues. Instead of firing Ryan, as DOI had recommended, the commissioners opted to dock him 15 days pay.

Seddio’s Appointment

Seddio, for his part, said on Thursday that “I trust that the board examined it and they made a decision based on what they believe was correct.”

Seddio continued regarding Ryan: “I’ve always found him to be somebody who did a good job.”

‘Let’s Get Joe Blow’

Seddio is a former surrogate judge in Brooklyn — a plum position generally decided on by party leaders — who subsequently served as the party’s boss in the borough for eight years, taking over for the late, disgraced Assemblymember Vito Lopez.

As county chair, Seddio was a polarizing figure who railed at times against “these f—ing progressives” who were agitating for more power within the machine.

Conclusion

Seddio’s appointment as a commissioner on the city’s Board of Elections has raised concerns among good government groups and some council members about the lack of transparency and accountability in the process.

Despite his experience and connections within the party, Seddio’s appointment has sparked debate about the importance of having a commissioner with “experience and fitness to administer elections” rather than a party insider.

FAQs

Q: What is the role of the Board of Elections?
A: The Board of Elections is responsible for overseeing the administrative staff that runs elections for New York City’s 5.3 million registered voters.

Q: Who appoints the commissioners on the Board of Elections?
A: Commissioners are proposed by party leaders from each borough, with the Council then having the option to approve or reject the pick.

Q: What is the controversy surrounding Seddio’s appointment?
A: Seddio’s appointment has raised concerns among good government groups and some council members about the lack of transparency and accountability in the process.