Election Law Challenge Upheld - Many Local Races for Shorter Terms as Election Year Shifts

ALBANY — Many of New York's local elections will have a crucial difference compared to years past. In 2023, the New York State Legislature passed a law intended to align a number of town and elections with those occurring at the federal level. 

As such, many of the races on the ballot Nov. 4 will result in candidates serving shorter terms of office than in normal circumstances. What would normally do two year terms would instead serve for one year and would again be up for election in 2026. For what would normally be a four year term this year, the candidates would instead serve a three year term and be up for a full term again in 2028. For those running in the 2027 local elections, they would be seeking a three year term.

The decision was upheld by a state Court of Appeals early this month. The unanimous decision ruled that the state law would proceed. 

There are exceptions to the law, including village and local judge elections, in addition to the offices of county clerk, sheriff, and district attorney. 

The move was made in part because of sharp differences in turnout rates for local elections. Election turnout in off-year elections are about half of those in general elections.