Oral arguments are expected in court this week as Rockland County continues its quest to move future local elections back to odd-numbered years. New York Governor Kathy Hochul last year signed a bill moving most local government elections, such as county executives, legislatures, and town and village officials, to be held in even-numbered years, at the same time as presidential and gubernatorial races. The thought is that would save money with fewer elections needed. Rockland County Executive Ed Day, a Republican, says it’s a ploy to help incumbent Democrats…
Orangetown supervisor Teresa Kenny, a Republican, says there is bipartisan support for the lawsuit against the new state law…
Rockland Assemblyman, Republican John McGowan of the 97th district, who is running for re-election against Democrat Aron Wieder, currently a Ramapo legislator, says the field is already way too crowded…
Rockland State Senator, Republican Bill Weber of the 38th district, voted against the law…
Rockland’s lawsuit has been supported by other New York State counties, including Orange, Rensselaer, Onondaga, Nassau, and Dutchess. The bill was sponsored by state Senator, Democrat James Skoufis of Orange County. He has said the new law would increase voter turnout and participation in elections, which typically run as high as 70 or 80 percent in presidential years, compared to odd-year turnouts which can hover around 30 percent.