Today the New York Court of Appeals unanimously upheld a 2023 state law moving many county and town elections outside of New York City from odd to even-numbered years. Beginning in 2026, voters across the state will cast their ballots in several local elections at the same time that they vote in state and federal contests.
Marina Pino, counsel in the elections and government program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, had the following comment:
“This ruling is a major victory for New York voters. Voter turnout drops sharply in odd-numbered years, especially among young voters and voters of color. Shifting to an even-year election cycle will encourage more New Yorkers to participate in local democracy, making elections far more inclusive and representative.
"Voting in New York should be convenient and accessible. This law is a vital step in that direction. Next, it is up to state lawmakers to build on this achievement. They must begin the process amending the state’s constitution to move all city elections to even years.”
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