New Even-Year Elections Law in New York: What Hamburg Voters Need to Know

As residents of Hamburg look toward upcoming elections, changes are on the horizon with the implementation of the Even-Year Election Law (EYEL) with the 2025 November election. This new legislation aims to boost voter turnout by aligning local elections with state and federal ones, making it essential for Hamburg voters to understand these changes and how they will impact them.

Understanding the Even-Year Election Law (EYEL)

In an effort to increase participation in local elections, New York has decided to shift most town elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. Research indicates that voter turnout is historically higher in even-numbered years, particularly when major state and federal positions are also up for election.

The EYEL will directly influence various offices within Hamburg, and it’s crucial that residents become familiar with how these transitions will affect them.

How The 2025 Hamburg Election Results Are Affected

With the implementation of the EYEL, the local offices in Hamburg will see some significant changes. This is a pivotal moment for residents, as the new election schedule is set to streamline the electoral process while ensuring that voters have more opportunities to make their voices heard.

Supervisor And Town Board Members

The position of Supervisor, traditionally holding a 4-year term, will shift starting in 2025. Supervisor-elect, Beth Farrell-Lorentz (R), will serve a shorter, 3-year term (2026-2028). The position will return to a 4-year term in the 2028 election.

Similarly, Hamburg’s Town Board consists of four members, with two being elected every two years. The recent election will adhere to the same shortened term format. The newly elected members, Lynne Dixon (R) and Nick Ortiz (R), will serve a 3-year term, after which the seats will revert to a 4-year cycle starting in 2028. The seats currently occupied by Frank Bogulski (R) and Dan Kozub (R) will be up for election in 2027 at the conclusion of their current 4-year term. These seats will be filled for a 3-year term, after which they will return to a 4-year cycle, beginning in 2030.

Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk

Ed Hughes (D), the Highway Superintendent, has recently been re-elected and will serve a 3-year term. The subsequent election for this position in 2028 will return to the usual 4-year term.

Currently, the Town Clerk position is unoccupied, and Natalie Nitsche (D) has been elected to fill the vacancy until the end of 2026. A re-election will be held in 2026 for a full 4-year term beginning in 2027.

Other Hamburg Election Details

It's essential to note that not every election in Hamburg will be affected by the EYEL.

• Town Justices will maintain their existing election cycle since their timing is based on constitutional requirements.

• Village Elections in Hamburg’s municipalities, such as Blasdell and Hamburg, will continue on their independent schedules, also avoiding the impacts of the EYEL.

• County Legislators are facing some amendments to their cycles, moving to even-year elections, but county judges will remain unchanged.

  
  

Furthermore, School Board Elections and Budget Votes are governed by New York State Education Law, ensuring these will still occur on the third Tuesday of May each year, regardless of any changes in the local election calendar.

Why the Change?

The prime motivation behind the EYEL is to increase voter participation. By aligning local elections with higher-profile state and federal races, the hope is that more residents will take the time to engage in their local politics. Historically, towns and cities across the nation have seen increased turnout when there are more significant offices on the ballot.

With the age of digital communication and social media, the potential for widespread awareness and mobilization is greater than ever. The new election law represents a progressive step towards increasing civic engagement in Hamburg and across New York State.

Looking Ahead

Following the transition to even-year elections, Hamburg will return to the standard length for terms in future election cycles.

Interestingly, there is room for further amendments in the future. Depending on legislative actions and potential constitutional adjustments, more positions within Hamburg could migrate to even-year elections.

For residents who care about their community, this transition is an opportunity for greater involvement in local governance, which can help shape the future of Hamburg.

Questions?

If you have questions or need further clarification on how the Even-Year Election Law affects you and your voting rights, don't hesitate to reach out. For state-level inquiries, you can contact info@nytowns.org or call 518-465-7933. For local concerns, the Hamburg Democratic Committee is also available at info@hamburgnydems.com.

Staying informed will be crucial for all residents in Hamburg. Engaging with local politics has never been more vital, so take the time to educate yourself and get involved!