Cases & Actions
Reducing Racial Discrimination in Voting Through Election Alignment in New York
The Election Law Clinic provided a detailed analysis of the racially disparate impact of holding off-cycle elections in towns and counties in New York to support an advocacy letter urging Governor Hochul to sign the Election Alignment Bill (A4282B/S3505B) that passed both houses of the New York State Legislature.
STATUS: OPEN
UPDATED: December 11, 2023
ISSUES: Election Timing, Racial Discrimination
BACKGROUND
Under existing New York law, towns and counties hold primary elections in June of odd-numbered years and general elections in November of odd-numbered years, which is “off-cycle” from federal and state elections held in even-numbered years. The Election Alignment Bill would shift these local contests to even-numbered years so they are “on-cycle” with federal and state elections. This measure would reduce burdens on voters, facilitate more accessible public education surrounding elections, and increase participation in elections for these critical local offices.
On-/Off-Cycle Election Effects in 16 New York Counties
