WGRZ:

More town, city, and county elections will be held during even-numbered years, after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Friday.

The Democratic governor said in a statement that the move will “expand access to the ballot box and make it easier for New Yorkers to vote in local elections that impact their lives.” Hochul added that it will save taxpayers money by reducing administrative costs for communities. . . . 

New York State Senate GOP Leader Rob Ortt swiftly voiced his opposition to the legislation.

“With total disregard for the bipartisan opposition to this proposal, Governor Hochul shamefully signed a bill that effectively ends local elections in New York State,” the North Tonawanda Republican said. “The touted benefits of this bill are a total sham concocted to hide the Democrat’s goal of expanding one-party control to every level of government.”

 . . . Voter apathy was a concern addressed with this legislation, according to the governor’s office, which stated that 64 percent of eligible voters participated in the 2020 election, compared to just 25 percent in 2021.