News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local News
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
APAppealsCourtNYElectionsEvenYears

Appeals court upholds New York law shifting local elections to even-numbered years

Democrats argue that the law, which was approved two years ago, would result in increased turnout in local races

Associated Press

May 8, 2025, 3:01 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A mid-level appeals court in New York has upheld a law that shifts many local elections to even-numbered years — a policy meant to align county and town elections with statewide and federal races but that has led to pushback from Republicans.

Democrats argue that the law, which was approved two years ago, would result in increased turnout in local races. Republicans sued to block it, saying it violates the state constitution and that it could give Democrats a partisan advantage in higher-turnout election years.

On Wednesday, a panel of appeals court judges ruled that the law can take effect and that there is no need to delay its implementation until the 2027 election cycle. The decision overturned a lower court’s ruling last year that struck down the law.

New York City elections aren’t affected by the law.

More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices