ALBANY, N.Y. — New York's highest court on Thursday upheld a law shifting local elections to even-numbered years, bringing most county and town elections in line with statewide and federal races.

The state Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that legislation passed into law in 2023 by the Democratic-controlled state Legislature was constitutional.

“We hold that there is no express or implied constitutional limitation on the legislature’s authority to enact the Even Year Election Law and therefore affirm,” the judges wrote in their 12-page decision.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, called the decision a “victory for democracy” that gives more New Yorkers the “opportunity to make their voices heard.”

“By aligning local elections with the state and federal calendar, we’re making it easier fo

See Full Page