New York State Court Upholds Law Shifting Local Elections to Even-Numbered Years

TL/DR –

The New York state Court of Appeals has ruled that a new law moving most local elections to even-numbered years to coincide with state and federal races is constitutional. The decision ends a long legal fight over the law, adopted by New York Democrats in 2023, which excludes races for positions protected under the state constitution, and shifts most town and county races outside of New York City. Critics argue the change erodes local government power and conflicts with individual county charters, while supporters, such as Gov. Kathy Hochul, say it strengthens democracy by increasing the opportunity for public participation in elections.

New York Appeals Court Upholds Even-Year Election Law

New York’s highest court has declared that a new law aligning local elections with state and federal races on even-numbered years is constitutional. The decision brings a drawn-out legal battle to a close, related to legislation passed by Democrats in 2023. This law moves many town and county races outside of New York City into even-numbered years alongside Congress, gubernatorial, or presidential races. Races involving villages, county clerks, sheriffs, district attorneys, local judges and others remain unchanged due to state Constitution protections.

Champion of the legislation, Gov. Kathy Hochul, called the decision a “victory for democracy,” indicating that more New Yorkers will now be able to participate in elections due to the alignment with state and federal calendars. This development comes at a time when voting rights are under risk nationwide, with New York moving in the opposite direction.

The legal challenge against the law was spearheaded by Republican leaders from Onondaga County. They argued that the change undermines the power of local governments and conflicts with individual county charters.

“The court’s lone Republican, Judge Michael Garcia, wrote the opinion,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, a Republican. He maintained that the decision fails to account for the constitutionality of their charters, focusing instead on the impacts of even-year versus odd-year elections.

Good-government groups, such as Citizens’ Union, celebrated the decision, as they believe it will increase voter turnout in local elections. Ben Weinberg, Director of Public Policy at Citizens’ Union, noted that the shift will give municipal issues increased visibility and represent more of the electorate. However, McMahon fears it will not save money for localities and will make campaign donations harder for local candidates to secure during state or national campaigns.

Upstate leaders are also concerned about the law’s impact on local government autonomy, criticizing the state lawmakers for overstepping their boundaries. Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties, hinted at possible future legal challenges against the policy.

State Sen. James Skoufis, who sponsored the legislation, celebrated the ruling, calling it the end of an era where a “small minority of voters choose who gets to hold critical local offices.” Skoufis criticized opponents of the legislation, saying that their efforts have wasted taxpayer money in pursuit of a political outcome.

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