News Summary
New York Republicans plan to appeal a court ruling upholding a law synchronizing local elections with state and federal ones in even-numbered years. The law, signed by the governor in late 2023, has raised concerns among local officials who argue it undermines their charters and could overshadow important local issues. The appeals court dismissed challenges, asserting the law’s constitutionality, prompting discussions on the potential impact on voter engagement and local governance as election cycles approach.
New York – New York Republicans have announced plans to appeal to the state’s highest court over a controversial law that adjusts the scheduling of local elections to align with state and federal elections in even-numbered years. This legal move comes after an appeals court upheld the law’s constitutionality and dismissed various challenges presented by Republican officials.
The law, which was passed by the New York state Legislature and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2023, mandates that many local elections outside the confines of New York City will now take place during even-numbered years, starting this election cycle. However, certain local elections and positions, including city or village elections as well as races for county clerk, sheriff, and district attorneys, remain exempt from this change. These exceptions are safeguarded by the state Constitution.
At the forefront of the opposition to this law is Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, who argues that the modification contradicts the individual charters of various counties, which govern their respective operational tasks. In New York State, twenty counties have charters that outline locally drafted laws. Furthermore, there are three amendments in the state Constitution meant to protect these charters.
The recent ruling issued by the appeals court determined that while the state Constitution does permit local governments to create legislative bodies elected by the populace, it does not guarantee local control over the specific processes of conducting elections. Additionally, the court dismissed claims suggesting that the law does not qualify as a “general law,” affirming its applicability to all counties outside of New York City.
Proponents of the new law believe that synchronizing local elections with state and federal ones will positively impact voter turnout. They argue that aligning the schedules could engage more voters who might otherwise be disinclined to participate in separate, local elections, thus fostering a greater interest in civic engagement within the communities.
Conversely, critics are concerned that significant local issues could be overshadowed amid the larger discussions surrounding state and national election matters. They argue that when local elections coincide with bigger races, they risk becoming less visible and less significant to voters focused on state and federal candidates and initiatives.
Tim Burtis, the Chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature, has expressed disappointment regarding the appeals court’s decision. This ruling, he claims, fails to adequately take into account the foundational aspects of local elections as established by the county’s charter, adding to the frustration among local officials who feel that their unique circumstances are being disregarded in favor of a sweeping statewide strategy.
This development comes as local officials and Republican leaders prepare for the upcoming election cycle, pushing to inform constituents about the changes and their implications. Municipalities will need to adapt to the new law and its guidelines, potentially affecting how candidates campaign and how voters engage with upcoming ballots.
As the New York Republican Party seeks to escalate its legal battle over the local election law, the situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for the electoral landscape in the state. With the upcoming election cycle approaching, the discourse surrounding local election reform and voter engagement continues to unfold, highlighting the complex interplay between state governance and local authority.
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