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Bill

S 5711

Requires elections and terms of certain officials occur on even-numbered years except in the city of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Skoufis

Bill S 5711 mandates that state and local elections in New York occur in even-numbered years to boost voter turnout, exempting New York City from this change.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5711

Summary of Bill S 5711

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 5711
  • Title: Requires elections and terms of certain officials occur on even-numbered years except in the city of New York
  • Status: Committee Discharged and Committed to Rules
  • Introduced: February 28, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5711 aims to standardize the timing of elections and the terms of certain officials across the state of New York by mandating that these events occur in even-numbered years. This change is intended to enhance voter participation and streamline the electoral process, ensuring that elections coincide with federal and state elections, which typically see higher turnout rates.

Key Provisions

  • Election Timing: The bill stipulates that elections for specified state and local officials must be held in even-numbered years.
  • Exemption for New York City: Notably, the bill excludes the city of New York from this requirement, allowing it to maintain its current election schedule.
  • Terms of Office: The bill also addresses the terms of office for certain officials, aligning them with the new election schedule.

Affected Parties

  • State and Local Officials: The bill impacts various state and local officials whose election cycles will be adjusted to align with even-numbered years.
  • Voters: The legislation is designed to benefit voters by potentially increasing turnout and simplifying the electoral calendar.
  • New York City: As an exception, New York City will not be affected by this change, allowing it to continue its current electoral practices.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 28, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • March 4, 2025: The bill was sent to the Attorney General for an opinion.
  • March 24, 2025: The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
  • June 9, 2025: The committee was discharged, and the bill was committed to the Rules Committee for further action.

Related Legislation

  • S 9826: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues.
  • A 5036: A companion bill in the Assembly that aligns with the objectives of S 5711.

Conclusion

Bill S 5711 represents a significant shift in the scheduling of elections for certain officials in New York State, with the goal of improving voter engagement and aligning local elections with federal and state elections. The exemption for New York City highlights the unique electoral landscape of the city, which may continue to operate under its established schedule. The bill is currently in the legislative process, awaiting further action from the Rules Committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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