(WNY News Now) – New York – New York State Legislature Passes Bill to Align Local Elections with Statewide Ballots, Aiming to Increase Voter Turnout and Accessibility.
New York State has passed Legislation S3505-B/A4282-B, which seeks to move numerous county and town elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. The legislation, which impacts elections subject to legislative adjustment, not requiring constitutional amendments, is a strategic move to increase voter engagement in local races.
The primary focus of S3505-B/A4282-B is to align many local elections, currently held in odd-numbered years, with the even-numbered years that host statewide and legislative elections. This intentional synchronization is expected to boost voter participation, as historical data shows a substantial difference in turnout between the two cycles. For instance, the 2020 elections witnessed approximately 64 percent of eligible voters casting their ballots, in stark contrast to the 25 percent turnout in 2021’s local elections.
By consolidating elections in even-numbered years, the state aims to alleviate the logistical challenges faced by voters when elections are held in odd-numbered years. The move is especially beneficial for those struggling to take time off work and travel to polling sites during non-traditional election cycles. The cost of participation in the democratic process is thereby reduced, aligning with the belief that democracy thrives when all eligible voters can easily partake.
The newly enacted legislation is part of a broader effort by New York State to fortify voting rights. Notably, in June 2022, the state implemented the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, a comprehensive measure protecting against voter dilution, suppression, intimidation, and other barriers to participation. Subsequent reforms in December 2022 extended the voter registration deadline, and in September 2023, legislation was passed to establish a system for early voting by mail.
Other states that have made similar adjustments to their election calendars have witnessed substantial increases in voter participation in local elections. Arturo Vargas, CEO of the NALEO Educational Fund, emphasized the importance of the Election Alignment Bill, stating that it represents a critical opportunity to strengthen electoral participation for Latinos and other underrepresented groups.
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