S9826

The New York State Senate passed a constitutional amendment early Monday morning that would move most state and local elections from odd years to even years, aligning them with presidential and gubernatorial cycles. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Pete Skoufis, passed 39-22 along largely partisan lines, with all 22 nays coming from Republicans and some Democrats. The amendment would apply to county and town elections statewide, as well as city elections outside New York City, but notably excludes the city where voter turnout is lowest. Skoufis argued the measure would dramatically increase voter participation and materialize cost savings by consolidating elections, citing public opinion surveys showing two-to-one support. However, opponents including Sens. Jack Martins and Gail Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick criticized the amendment as partisan gerrymandering designed to drown out local issues by consolidating them with state and federal races. They noted that 15 jurisdictions, including Orange County (Skoufis's home county), have sued to challenge last year's similar election changes, and that three election-related constitutional amendments failed decisively in 2021. The amendment must now pass the next Legislature and be approved by voters in a referendum before taking effect.