Requires village elections on the same date as general elections take place on even numbered years

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why James Skoufis says this is needed

New York's current system of holding local elections on Election Day in odd-numbered years leads to voter confusion and exhaustion, ultimately resulting in low voter turnout in local elections. Studies have consist- ently shown that voter turnout is the highest in November. Election Day in even-numbered years when elections for State and Federal offices are held. Syncing local elections will ease voter confusion and will lead to greater citizen participation in local elections. Further, eliminating odd-year Village elections on the general election day in November will save taxpayer dollars. Chapter 741 of 2023 was a significant first step in transitioning local elections to even-numbered years, requiring certain Towns and County elections to be held in even-numbered years. This bill is the next logical step needed to continue consolidating our elections and ensure higher voter turnout.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.