New York10: NY Republicans launch federal suit to overturn even year election law

November 4, 2025 — New York10

A federal lawsuit filed Oct. 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Central Islip) seeks to block New York’s Even Year Election Law, which shifts thousands of local contests to even-numbered years. Plaintiffs include the New York Republican State Committee, county and town governments, and officials from Nassau, Suffolk, and Orange counties; they allege violations of the First Amendment and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and ask the court to permit local opt-outs before the 2026 cycle. The filing follows a New York Court of Appeals decision upholding the statute; supporters cite turnout and cost savings, while exemptions leave some city and county offices unaffected.

“By coupling local elections to federal and statewide ballots, the [even year election law] systematically converts local races into low-information, partisan contests.” — Complaint, E.D.N.Y.

“An attempt to drown local voices, burden political speech, and erode the connection between voters and their local governments,” said William A. Brewer III.

Read more here: Federal Lawsuit Seeks to Block NY's Election Law