The New York Republican State Committee has filed a lawsuit against the State of New York and Governor Kathy Hochul, challenging the recently enacted Even Year Election Law (EYEL). The complaint argues that the law violates both the First Amendment and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The plaintiffs claim that EYEL suppresses local political speech and increases racial polarization by moving local elections to even years dominated by national issues.
The lawsuit highlights how New York's historical odd-year election schedule has protected local democracy from being overshadowed by state and federal politics. The plaintiffs argue that EYEL disrupts this tradition by forcing local elections onto crowded ballots during even years, diminishing their significance. Enacted in December 2023 by a Democrat-controlled legislature, EYEL is described as an attempt to centralize political power under the guise of increasing voter turnout.
The plaintiffs include various Republican committees and candidates from Nassau, Suffolk, and Orange counties who are directly affected by EYEL. They contend that the law burdens candidates’ ability to communicate with voters by consolidating local races onto ballots dominated by larger state and federal contests. This consolidation, they argue, pushes local issues to the bottom of lengthy ballots and makes it difficult for candidates to convey their messages effectively.
The lawsuit also claims that EYEL violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it exacerbates racial polarization in communities already marked by such divides. By amplifying disparities in political participation, it allegedly threatens minority voters’ ability to elect representatives of their choice. The plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent enforcement of EYEL and preserve traditional odd-year elections.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney William A. Brewer III of Brewer Attorneys & Counselors. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Civil Case No. 2:25-CV-6083.