Lawmakers react to bill signed by Governor Hochul that will move local elections to even numbered years

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation last week, which she says is aimed to expand access to the ballot box and make it easier for New Yorkers to vote in local elections that impact their lives.

According to the Governor’s Office, the bill updates the election calendar by aligning many local elections currently held in odd-numbered years with statewide and legislative elections that are held in even-numbered years.

“By signing this legislation, we are taking a significant step towards expanding access to the ballot box and promoting a more inclusive democracy,” Hochul said.

“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.”

The intent is to boost voter participation, the Governor says, but this latest development from the Capitol in Albany, NY is gaining the attention from officials, who represent the North Country.

“This move will not really save money and will result in critical issues and races that matter in our communities being overshadowed by those at a higher level of government,” said State Senator Joe Griffo.

"This change undermines the decentralized principles of our government's founding," said State Senator Mark Walczyk.

However, the Governor’s Office reports that voter participation in elections held in even-numbered years in New York State is substantially higher than participation during odd-numbered years.

For example, millions more New Yorkers participated in elections in 2020, according to Governor Hochul, when approximately 64 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, than in 2021, when just 25 percent of eligible voters turned out to take part in local elections around the State.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.