Memorandum of Support: A4777 Four Year Term for Election Commissioners

(As Chair of the Democratic Caucus of NYSECA I will from time to time issue Memorandums of Support on Election bills before the NYS Legislature. I am posting them on my website for lawmakers and the public to know our positions. You can see my caucus’ legislative priorities here as well as the Bi-Partisan Legislative agenda for NYSECA here. If you agree with this bill consider contacting your local representative and asking them to support the bill.)

Memorandum of Support

Bill:  A4777

Sponsor:  Pretlow

Summary:  Increases the term of office of an election commissioner from two to four years beginning January first of each odd numbered year.

The NYS Election Commissioners Association Democratic Caucus supports A4777 which would mandate 4-year terms for Elections Commissioners in New York.  We believe Elections Commissioners should be judged on the 4-year cycle of elections we have in New York.  The Presidential and Gubernatorial election years are separated by two local years.  Having a four-year cycle will allow election commissioners to navigate the challenges of each year before having to stand for re-appointment.  It will also allow elections commissioners to make proper decisions based on Election Law, precedent, and proper equity in their Board decisions without having the shadow of a 2-year term hanging over their employment.  It will also help recruit better commissioners by giving them a minimum of four-year job security. 

The Democratic Caucus supports this bill in our 2023 Legislative Priorities and we note it is also supported by the NYS Election Commissioners Association Bi-Partisan Legislative Agenda.  Passing this bill will strengthen the backbone of our bi-partisan election system in New York and we urge the legislature to pass this bill and the Governor to sign it as soon as possible.