Chris McKenna | LoHud | Nov. 9, 2023
Hochul is weighing a bill that state lawmakers passed this year that would consolidate some but not all elections in even-numbered years in New York to boost turnout.
Under the proposal, elections for county executive, county legislature and town offices would be moved from odd years to even years, putting them on the same ballots as presidential races and contests for Congress and state legislature. It would start to take effect in 2025 if approved by the governor, who has until Dec. 31 to sign or veto it….
Democrats see both pros and cons. Westchester County Democratic Chairwoman Suzanne Berger argues the bill could both boost turnout for races moved to even years and reduce voting in those that remain stranded in odd years. Another potential pitfall, she said, is adding so many races to a ballot that it requires two pages.
But she disputed the partisan aspect by saying higher turnout in Republican areas would likely benefit Republicans, not Democrats.
“It may be emphasizing the dominant party in the area,” she said.
