TL/DR –
New York state’s recent change in election law to move many county and town races to even years, in conjunction with presidential and gubernatorial races, was upheld in court and will start affecting elections from next year. The law does not apply to constitutionally protected races such as those in cities and some at the county level, and while it is expected to increase voter turnout, cost savings are not predicted in the near term. Critics argue that turnout will not increase and the change will lead to an erosion of local control over elections.
New York upholds changes to election law adjusting county and town races to even years
The recent court-approved adjustment to New York’s election law, moving many county and town races to coincide with presidential and gubernatorial races beginning next year, is anticipated to impact the election calendar. Despite beliefs to the contrary, complete elimination of off-year elections still requires a constitutional amendment.
This law change doesn’t affect constitutionally-protected city and county races. Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny stated to Spectrum News 1 that election staff will remain busy during Election Day 2027 due to some local elections unaffected by this law change.
“Significant elections will be there in ’27 including local elections, DAs, county clerks, and judicial elections, which haven’t moved yet due to their four-year terms,” he shared.
Czarny anticipates increased turnout but doesn’t expect substantial cost reductions for local governments in the near term. He doesn’t foresee any burden on election staff due to the time they have to prepare for more intricate ballots and potentially larger voter populations.
Supporters, such as Susan Lerner of Common Cause New York, maintain that the short-term consolidation will reduce some cost. To further enhance the savings, a constitutional amendment is needed to shift remaining races to even years. This amendment, which could be initiated as early as next year, would lead to its first passage by the end of 2026, followed by the second passage in 2027 and then be put forward to voters.
“Conducting elections for all offices when people are focused on elections is a financially sensible approach. Additionally, it addresses the concern of low local election turnout,” Lerner stated.
However, critics like Republican Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente argue that such changes won’t enhance turnout. He claims that many voters participating in Presidential and gubernatorial races may not complete the entire ballot. He believes that the state legislature is unnecessarily politicizing a constitutionally stable process.
After opposing the law change, Picente argues that further constitutional changes will compromise local control over elections and put local officials at a disadvantage when competing against state and national candidates.
Supporters like Lerner counter this argument, suggesting that higher overall voter participation lessens potential drop-offs compared to low turnout in off-year elections.
—
Read More US Political News