(I joined 9 other Democratic Elections Commissioner’s in support of the Election Alignment or the so-called even year election bill that will move some offices to even year elections starting in 2026. This letter is in my position as elections commissioner of Onondaga County and not as chair of the NYSECA Democratic caucus which remains neutral. Also published on syracuse.com here:
Hon Elizabeth Fine
Counsel to the Governor
State Capital, Albany, New York 12224
RE: Assembly Bill 4284-B (Paulin)/Senate Boll 3505-B (Skoufis) In Support.
Dear Ms. Fine,
We are writing today to strongly support the enactment of the above referenced legislation. What has commonly been referred to as the “Even Year Elections” bill was passed by the New York State Legislature in June and awaits the Governor’s signature. We rise today as individual commissioners to encourage the Governor to sign this legislation as soon as possible and enact it into law.
The scourge of low turnout has plagued elections in the so called “odd years” for generations. Throughout our state elections in odd years have significantly less turnout. “Odd year” elections throughout the state are routinely 50% to 70% less turnout. The problem is getting worse, not better. Elections in 2021 and 2023 rank as some of the lowest turnout elections in recent memory.
In the age of election denialism and attacks on our Democracy it is important that we do everything we can to bolster the right of the public to elect leaders that reflect the makeup of our State. Holding elections in high turnout years will ensure that elected leaders reflect the electorate they are sworn to serve. Scheduling elections in high turnout years is not just a benefit for voters, but potentially for candidates as well. Odd year elections are rife with uncontested contests. Higher turnout elections will create more competitive races which will encourage more candidates to run for office.
We acknowledge that there may be technical hurdles that the Boards of Elections must face, but we believe that can be overcome. The authors of the bill have wisely rolled out the shift to even years between 2026 and 2030. This will give us time to work with vendors and the State Board of Elections to adjust our processes and political calendars. Furthermore, we can work with the Legislature on future legislation dealing with ballot access, resource allocation, and voter education programs to maximize the laudable goals of this legislation. The legislature should work with Elections Commissioners to reform ballot design, consider petitioning alternatives and prevent the reprisal budget cuts that may come in the wake of this legislation to ensure successful implementation.
We believe this legislation will continue the work that the State of New York started in 2019 to reform and enhance our electoral process. We stand ready to enact the provisions of this law once signed and look forward to working with the Governor, the Legislature, and the advocacy groups to make this another successful program for the voters of New York.
Sincerely
Daniel Reynolds, Commissioner (D) Broome County Board of Elections
Hannah Black, Commissioner (D) Ducchess County Board of Elections
Jeremy Zellner, Commissioner (D) Erie County Board of Elections
Jackie Ortiz, Commissioner (D) Monroe County Board of Elections
James Scheuerman, Commissioner (D) Nassau County Board of Elections
Sarah Bormann, Commissioner (D) Oneida County Board of Elections
Dustin M. Czarny, Commissioner (D) Onondaga County Board of Elections
Louise Vandermark, Commissioner (D) Orange County Board of Elections
Kathleen Pietanza, Commissioner (D) Rockland County Board of Elections
Cassandra Bagramian, Commissioner (D) Saratoga Board of Elections
