Statement: Constitutional Amendment to Move City Elections in New York State to Even-Numbered Years Introduced in State Senate
S1926, introduced by Senator James Skoufis, expected to significantly increase voter turnout in city elections
For Immediate Release:
May 8, 2024
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Albany, NY — On April 29, New York Senator James Skoufis introduced S1926, a constitutional amendment that would require city, judicial, and other specific offices in New York state to be elected on even years. The current state constitution requires city officers to be elected on odd years. This proposal comes just months after passage of S3505/A4282, which moved most New York county and town elections to even years, aligning with federal and statewide races. That legislation, also introduced by Sen. Skoufis, was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in December of 2023.
S1926 reflects policy that is popular with voters across the state, and will make it more accessible for all New Yorkers to participate in local elections. The New York State Legislature has until June 6 to pass the proposed legislation.
Sam Oliker-Friedland, executive director of the Institute for Responsive Government, issued the following statement:
“When it comes to election consolidation, New York is taking a critical step towards achieving a truly representative, efficient election process for millions of voters in the state. This bill will streamline the voting process for millions of eligible voters, including young voters and voters of color, and also generate significant cost savings for election officials – a win-win for New York’s democracy. The Institute for Responsive Government hopes to see the New York legislature move forward on this policy this year, along with other important bills like improvements to the state’s automatic voter registration system.”
Moving city elections to even years is expected to significantly increase voter turnout. For example, in the 2023 New York City general election covering City Council, only 12.8% of eligible voters cast a ballot, compared to 38.3% of eligible NYC voters in 2022 for statewide offices like the governor’s race, and 62% of eligible NYC voters in 2020 for the presidency and congressional and state legislative seats.
The proposed law also is an important step toward cost-savings and increased efficiency for election workers. One study found that moving odd-year elections to even years in Washington, Montana, and Idaho (three states with a combined population much smaller than New York) could save roughly $30 million per two-year election cycle.
To speak with Sam Oliker-Friedland about the benefits of even-year elections, please contact dan@responsivegov.org.
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The Institute for Responsive Government is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to ensuring state and federal governments work effectively for the very people they serve. IRG provides data, research, and expertise to elected officials in order to find practical policy solutions that make government systems more efficient, accessible, and responsive.