Assemblyman Matt Simpson, a Republican representing the Adirondack region, has expressed concern over the New York State Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold the 2023 Even-Year Election Law. The legislation moves most local elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years, a change supporters say is intended to boost voter turnout.
Simpson argues that this adjustment could have negative consequences for local governance. “This change forces town supervisors, board members, trustees and other local elected officials to compete for attention with the loud, divisive party politics and national narratives that dominate presidential and gubernatorial races,” said Simpson. “Local elections held in off-years provide a platform for addressing the unique concerns and priorities of our communities, such as property taxes and local services that directly impact our daily lives. By aligning these elections with high-profile national contests, we risk drowning out local voices and eroding an essential layer of our democratic process. Our communities should not have their concerns relegated to the back seat of national politics.”
Supporters of even-year elections argue that holding all contests during higher-turnout cycles could increase overall participation in local races. However, critics like Simpson worry that issues specific to municipalities may be overshadowed by broader state and federal campaigns.
