Statement from Senator George Borrello on Measure to Move Local Elections to Even Numbered Years

ALBANY – Senator George Borrello issued the following statement today on the passage of S.3505B which would force local governments to move their elections to even-numbered years, placing them alongside elections for Senate, Assembly, statewide offices, Congress and president.  

“New Yorkers should be outraged at Albany Democrats’ blatant and continual efforts to rig the political system in their favor.  

Every session since they took full control of New York State government has seen them scheming to maximize and cement their political power by changing the rules of the game. The 2023 Session has been no exception.  

In the final hours of the 2023 Session, the majorities resurrected a bill that would force local governments to move their elections to even-numbered years, alongside campaigns for the Senate, Assembly, statewide offices, Congress and president.  

It isn’t to drive higher turnout as they claim or save taxpayers money.  A quick look at the bloated New York State budget only confirms that saving taxpayers’ money is not a priority for Democrats.  

It also isn’t to give local races a higher profile. The reality would be the opposite: local candidates’ platforms and messages would be lost in the flood media coverage and paid ads for state and federal candidates.  

The goal of this bill is clear: to amass more power and control for New York Democrats. I urge Governor Hochul to do the right thing and veto this shameful political ploy.”