New York Law to Shift Local Elections to Even Years Deemed Unconstitutional

New York Law Shifting Local Elections to Even Years Ruled Unconstitutional

A New York judge has declared a state law aiming to move various local elections to even years, aligning them with congressional and state elections, unconstitutional. The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023, was met with legal challenges from localities arguing that it violated the state constitution's protection for local governments' autonomy in determining their governance structures.

State Supreme Court Justice Gerard Neri sided with Onondaga County officials, who spearheaded the legal challenge. Neri asserted that the law's implementation without proper adherence to special law prerequisites and its inherent impact on local issues, which don't affect state offices, rendered it unconstitutional under Article IX of the New York State Constitution.

Neri also expressed concern that moving local elections to even years would diminish their visibility and prominence, as they would compete with congressional and state elections for media attention and voter focus. This concern was echoed by Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, who hailed the court ruling as a “clear and decisive victory for the voters.”

The law was scheduled to take effect in 2025. The court's ruling effectively prevents its implementation, reaffirming the significance of home rule principles within the New York State constitution.