Overview
- New York’s Court of Appeals ruled 7-0 that the Legislature can move most town and county elections to even-numbered years, rejecting claims that a constitutional amendment or statewide referendum was required.
- The court said there is no reason to delay enforcement, so many officials elected in 2025 will serve shortened terms to sync with even-year cycles, such as two-year posts cut to one year and some four-year posts to three.
- The change applies to many local offices like county executive and town supervisor but excludes New York City offices and positions such as district attorney because their schedules are set in the state constitution.
- New York City voters will see a November ballot question on aligning city races with presidential years, and even if approved it would still need a state constitutional amendment passed in two successive legislative sessions and ratified by voters statewide.
- Democrats hailed the ruling as a turnout-boosting reform that reduces confusion, while Republican officials warned it would nationalize local contests and had sought to block the law in court.