Statement From William A Brewer on Ballot Proposal 6

The Constitution, common sense and good governance were victorious yesterday in New York City. Voters there overwhelmingly rejected Ballot Proposal 6, which sought to force local elections in NYC to even years, aligning them with federal races.

Supporters—like Governor Hochul—pitched the proposal to New Yorkers as an attempt to increase turnout. 

But shifting local elections to even years buries local issues in a sea of federal and state noise. Local candidates would be forced to compete for attention and funding against an impenetrable field of non-local races. As a result, candidate speech on community issues is deprived of genuine engagement. As all knowledgeable observers know, without adequate information, voters turn to prejudices and party labels. Mindless polarization—the type demagogues seek—results.

New York City voters refused to make that mistake. This year's mayoral election had the highest turnout in recent history. For the rest of the state, New York's Even Year Election Law will deny countless communities that same choice. But it's not too late. 

Our Firm filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a coalition of numerous candidates, municipalities, and voters to defend the rest of the state's right to self-governance, to keep their elections local, and stop the overreach from Albany. 

From Democrats in New York City to Republicans in Orange County, the message to Albany is clear. New Yorkers want local control and their elections to remain focused on local solutions.

Join the fight to defend your voice, your vote, and your choice.