Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) is being heavily criticized for signing a bill that moves most local elections to even-numbered years, aligning with federal elections.
While Hochul argued the change is a step toward a “more inclusive democracy,” critics say the move “effectively ends local elections” in New York state, significantly shifting power over to Democrats.
The law amends “the town law, the village law, the county law, and the municipal home rule law,” to move many county and town elections outside of New York City to 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…
