Bill > A2641

Introduced Session

This bill provides that a vacancy in the offices of county surrogate, county clerk, county register of deeds and mortgages, and county sheriff will be filled at the second succeeding general election if the vacancy occurs 70 days before the general election. Under current law, when a vacancy occurs in these county offices, other than by expiration of the term, the Governor is required to fill the vacancy with the advice and consent of the Senate by appointing a member of the same political party as that of the previous incumbent of the office. That appointment continues until a successor is elected and qualified. The successor is required to be elected for a specified term at the general election next succeeding the occurrence of the vacancy. However, if the vacancy occurs within 37 days next preceding the general election, the vacancy is required to be filled at the second succeeding general election. This bill changes that 37 days to 70 days. The timeframe established in this bill matches the same timeframe for filling vacancies in other public offices at the general election in accordance with Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, thereby accomplishing uniformity in the election administration process. This timeframe also allows for compliance with the requirements established under federal and State law for the mailing of vote-by-mail ballots to voters at least 45 days before the general election.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Chris DePhillips (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document