FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Max Schulman, 347-861-4167
New York, N.Y. (May 8, 2025) – Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Board Chairman John Avlon celebrating a unanimous New York State Appellate Court ruling affirming the constitutionality of a 2023 state law moving many county and town elections to even-numbered years, overturning a state Supreme Court decision in October that invalidated the law:
“This is a great victory for common sense. Citizens Union is gratified to see that the Appellate Court upheld the law moving county and town elections to even-numbered years, which will boost turnout in local races and strengthen local democracy.
“Aligning local elections with state and federal races is a proven way to increase voter engagement and make local governments more reflective of the communities they represent. Experience and analysis show that consolidating elections will increase voter participation, particularly among younger voters and communities of color. Over the past decade, many towns and cities across the country have seen significant gains in voter turnout by shifting their elections to even-numbered years.
“Citizens Union is proud to champion this legislation, and we believe it will have a meaningful impact on turnout in local elections when it goes into effect. We will build on this momentum as we urge the 2025 Charter Revision Commission to support even-year elections in New York City.”
To learn more, see our report “Moving Municipal Elections to Even-Numbered Years”, which highlights the benefits of consolidating elections, including increased voter turnout, a more diverse electorate, reduced voter fatigue, and significant cost savings.
About Citizens Union
For over 125 years, Citizens Union has been a leading non-partisan advocate for good government, transparency, ethics, and democratic reform in New York City and State. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.
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