NEW CITY, NY — Rockland County officials are pushing back against New York State’s recent electoral reforms, embodied in legislation S3505B/A4282B (Chapter 741), which they claim will increase voter costs and infringe on local governance. The County of Rockland and County Executive Ed Day argue that the law, intended to consolidate elections, will not yield the promised savings and could lead to higher expenses.
According to the Rockland County Board of Elections, the new law fails to eliminate elections in odd-numbered years for positions like Town Justice, Sheriff, County Clerk, District Attorney, Family Court Judge, and Surrogate. These elections will continue to incur standard overhead costs, while even-numbered years will see costs rise by an estimated $30,000.
County Executive Ed Day expressed concerns that the state’s decision to adjust local election timings and shorten terms violates the county’s charter and places an unnecessary financial burden on families. “Not only did State lawmakers shift local elections and cut terms down a year, a direct violation of our charter, but in doing so are burdening families with a higher cost,” Day stated.
The controversy extends to the composition of the voting bloc for the bill, with claims that urban legislators largely supported the measure while suburban and rural representatives, whose constituents are more directly affected, opposed it overwhelmingly.
“This law is another attempt to override local control in a home rule state,” Day added. “Local governments are the most responsive and responsible to the everyday person, and we have a constitutional right to say how our local officials are chosen.”
Rockland County Legislature Minority Leader Lon Hofstein also criticized the bill, suggesting that it would cause local issues to be overshadowed in ballots crowded with state and federal races. “Clearly this is not a cost savings, and this state legislation is not in the best interests of the voters,” Hofstein remarked.
On April 22, 2024, Rockland County escalated its opposition by filing a lawsuit against the State of New York, seeking to protect local electoral autonomy. County Attorney Thomas Humbach condemned the state’s rationale, arguing it stems from a misjudgment of voter engagement. “The State enacted this law because the city Legislators and the Governor wrongly believe voters are incapable of voting once a year due to being confused and fatigued,” Humbach explained, criticizing the city-based legislators as out of touch with the realities of county and town governance.
As the legal battle unfolds, Rockland County remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining its electoral practices and resisting what it views as overreach by state authorities.