For Immediate Release
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347 361 9983
New York, N.Y. (June 4, 2024) – The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), Brooklyn Voters Alliance, Citizens Union, Common Cause/NY, Disabled In Action of Metropolitan NY, Dutchess County Progressive Action Alliance (DCPAA), New York Civic Engagement Table, Reinvent Albany, Stand Up America, Village Independent Democrats, and YVote issued the following joint statement in response to a bill introduced in the state legislature yesterday (S9826 Skoufis/A10538 Jacobson) that would move local elections throughout New York State, excluding New York City, to even-numbered years:
“We are deeply frustrated to hear of last-minute attempts to exclude New York City from the legislation to move city elections to even years. While communities across the state experience low turnout in odd-year elections, the problem is particularly acute in New York City, where turnout has decreased in every citywide race this century. In 2021, New York City had the lowest general election mayoral turnout among the state’s big cities.”
“Shifting local elections to even-numbered years is the best way to increase voter turnout, particularly amongst young voters and in communities of color. This will give more New Yorkers a say over who governs them at the local level. New York City residents – who, according to polls, show the highest rates of support for this policy — shouldn’t be excluded from a once-in-a-generation effort to amend the state constitution to boost participation in our democracy.”
“The State Legislature should pass S9126 (Skoufis)/A10466 (Walker) this week, which includes NYC elections. This would jumpstart this process while allowing lawmakers ample time to evaluate this constitutional amendment next session.”