In a unified front, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside other Long Island officials, convened at Farmingdale Village Hall to denounce a recent state law mandating local elections be held in even-numbered years. Critics argue this change, enacted by Albany Democrats, aims to consolidate political power by aligning local elections with state and federal contests, potentially overshadowing community-specific issues.
“For over 100 years, our local elections were held on odd years,” stated Blakeman. “What is this all about? It’s about state control—the state trying to run our counties, towns, villages, and cities from Albany with one-party rule.”
The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023, is intended to boost voter turnout by synchronizing local elections with higher-profile races. However, opponents contend that this move dilutes the focus on local matters, such as taxes, public safety, and infrastructure.
Representing Suffolk, Romaine expressed concern over the potential marginalization of local issues, stating, “There are community issues that we campaign on that have no relation to state or federal matters. Having them drowned out in one big election does a disservice to the government that’s closest to the people.”
Romaine also highlighted that the law disrupts existing term limits in Suffolk County, which were approved by voter referendum. The new schedule necessitates officials with four-year terms up for election in 2025 to serve three-year terms, and those with two-year terms to serve one-year terms, to align with the even-year election cycle.
Despite a state appellate court ruling upholding the law’s constitutionality, both Blakeman and Romaine have pledged to continue legal challenges, seeking to overturn the decision and maintain local control over election scheduling.
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano criticized the law as a political maneuver, stating, “This move by Albany Democrats is not about protecting democracy—it’s about protecting their political power. Gov. Hochul’s new mandate to shift local elections to even-numbered years is a blatant attempt to silence Long Island voters and drown out local voices with national noise.”
DeStefano further argued that the decision was made without public input or consultation with local governments, forcing the Suffolk County Legislature to run in two consecutive years, 2025 and 2026, thereby wasting taxpayer dollars and ignoring local term limits approved by voters.
Suffolk County GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia echoed these sentiments, asserting, “Albany and Democrats are at it again—undermining local voices to push their political agenda. This power grab to move local elections from odd years to even years is not about voters. It’s about Democrat control.”
Garcia emphasized the potential for voter fatigue, noting that “dozens of races on a single ballot confuse and overwhelm voters, undermining informed decisions.” He also pointed out the disruption of term limits approved by voters and the exemption of New York City from the new law, suggesting a targeted approach against Long Island.
Governor Hochul has defended the law, asserting that aligning local elections with federal ones will increase voter participation. “Yes, by the Democrats,” DeStefano countered, noting that more Democrats than Republicans voters turn out for federal elections.
As the debate continues, Long Island leaders remain steadfast in their opposition, advocating for the preservation of local electoral autonomy and the integrity of community-focused governance.