Walczyk, Bush introduce bill to repeal even-year elections in New York

ALBANY, NY- A brand-new legislative session is on the horizon and a pair of state lawmakers, including one who represents the North Country, have introduced a bill that would repeal even year elections.

Just recently, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a measure into law that will swap most statewide local and county elections to even years, with aims of increasing voter turnout.

The move has drawn a chorus of criticism and in response, Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh have announced a bill they are sponsoring that would repeal the new law and keep local elections on odd-numbered-years.

"I’m proud to stand with Assemblywoman Walsh, introducing this bill to reverse this misguided power grab and return autonomy to local elections,” Walczyk said.

“Gov. Hochul’s approval of even-year elections shows a blatant disregard for the essence of localized representation in our electoral process. Shifting local elections to even years’ risks overshadowing the critical issues that directly impact our communities,” said Walsh.

According to Walczyk, longer ballots would take more time to complete a ballot, causing longer wait times.

Both Walczyk and Walsh voted against the bill earlier this year.

Senator Mark Walczyk image.