Bill > S05851

This bill proposes constitutional amendments to require certain municipal, judicial, and county elections to take place in even-numbered years instead of odd-numbered years. Specifically, the bill mandates that elections for judicial officers (except village judicial officers), city officers, county officers, sheriffs, county clerks, district attorneys, and registers will now be held in even-numbered years, with their terms expiring at the end of an even-numbered year. The legislation provides flexibility for the legislature to enact laws that might allow an election in an odd-numbered year if the term is structured to end in an even-numbered year. The bill also updates provisions related to filling vacancies in various offices, ensuring that appointed officials will serve until the next election in an even-numbered year. Additionally, the amendment modifies language around election timing for statewide offices like governor and lieutenant-governor, standardizing the election cycle and potentially creating more consistent election schedules. These changes aim to potentially increase voter participation by aligning more local and judicial elections with general election years and creating a more uniform electoral timeline.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5851