New York Even Year Election Law Challenge (New York Republican State Committee)

An anti-voting lawsuit challenging a New York law that moves certain local elections to even-numbered years.

Background

Lawsuit filed by the New York Republican State Committee against the state of New York and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) challenging the state’s Even Year Election Law. The Even Year Election Law, signed into law by Hochul in December 2023, requires local governments in New York to hold certain local elections during even numbered calendar years. The plaintiffs claim the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. They ask the court to block the law and allow localities to opt-out of holding elections in even numbered years.

Why It Matters

This federal lawsuit comes just weeks after the law survived a state court challenge: In October, New York’s highest court unanimously upheld the shift of most county and town elections to even-numbered years. Aligning these local contests with higher-turnout state and federal elections would boost participation in local races that are often decided by very small margins. 

Latest Updates

• Oct. 30, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.