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State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, is co-sponsoring legislation to move local elections back to odd-years.
Borrello is co-sponsoring legislation (S.7873) introduced by Sen. Mark Walczyk, R-Watertown, in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul's decision to sign into law legislation passed in the 2023 legislative session in the Assembly and Senate moving most local elections from odd years to even years to coincide with federal elections.
“Every eligible New Yorker deserves the right to participate in the democratic process without unnecessary barriers," Hochul said in a news release. "By signing this legislation, we are taking a significant step towards expanding access to the ballot box and promoting a more inclusive democracy. This is a meaningful first step and I would support a constitutional amendment to align all election years, to save taxpayer dollars and avoid voter fatigue."
S.3505B/A.4282-B will move many county and town elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. The legislation impacts all elections for which the dates can be changed through legislative action; but does not change elections in cities, for judges and county offices that include the sheriff, district attorney and county clerk. Hochul announced her support for a future amendment to the state Constitution that would align elections for all offices.
The legislation passed in a largely party line vote, with Democrats saying the change will increase voter turnout in local elections that typically have dismal turnout levels and Republicans arguing the move caters to those who care only about national politics at the expense of engaged voters who care about local races.
Walczyk's legislation is co-sponsored by several Republicans, but no Democrats – meaning it is unlikely the bill makes it out of committee. It does mark the latest statement of Republicans' disapproval of the change. The New York State Association of Counties spoke out against Hochul's approval of the election year switch.
"Moving local elections from odd years to even years is terrible policy for New York. It directly circumvents home rule powers afforded to counties, towns, and villages under state law," Walczyk wrote in his legislative justification. " New changes will not make elections more cost-effective either; instead, it will increase the length of ballots and push voters to choose from as many as 25 candidates in a single cycle. Focus on local issues will diminish, which is
not good for governments closest to the people. Lastly, new changes have bipartisan disapproval. This bill rectifies the hyperpartisan changes that will hurt New York’s democracy for years to come."