NY State of Politics on the proposed New York bill to move some local elections on-cycle. Of course, county elected officials who won their positions in off-cycle elections oppose the change. By the same token, the beneficiaries of gerrymandering always oppose redistricting reform.

Most county leaders across the state are furious as lawmakers are expected to pass legislation at the last minute Friday to move most town and county elections to even-numbered years.

Supporters point to national research showing a more than 18% increase in voter turnout during presidential election years.

Bill sponsor Sen. James Skoufis says the change will maximize voter participation and improve New York’s democracy.

“As it stands right now, in a lot of these local, town and county elections, you have 20 or so percent of voters deciding the outcome for the entire jurisdiction,” he said. “Why are you so afraid of 50, 60, 70 percent of voters determining who should hold these local positions?” . . .

“Moving local elections to even-numbered years dramatically increases voter turnout,” said Ben Weinberg, Citizens Union’s director of public policy. “And it also makes the electorate more representative of the population.”