Chenango County Office Building in Norwich. In December of 2023 NY State passed a bill that changed town elections from odd numbered years to even years. According to the Chenango County Board of Elections, in Chenango County, this has led to many races appearing on the ballot this year. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

CHENANGO COUNTY – In December of 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that had passed in the State Assembly and State Senate that changes town elections from odd numbered years to even years.

The law was created with the stated purpose to increase voter turn-out in local elections. Since presidential elections take place in even years, more voters turn out for those major races and vote for local elected officials as well.

According to the Chenango County Board of Elections, in Chenango County, this has led to many races appearing on the ballot this year.

“This year several of the same offices that voters voted on last year will appear on the ballot again this year to put those offices on an even-year cycle,” said Democratic Commissioner of Elections Carly Hendricks.

To comply with the law, officials who ran for a position with a two-year term last year, would have to run again this year to get on an even year schedule. Hendricks explained that this will include most of the town supervisors, except for the supervisors in Lincklaen and Greene. It will also include town clerks, and highway superintendents who have a two year term. The town of Norwich will also have tax collector on the ballot in 2026.

The change also impacts positions that come with a four-year term.

“Offices that were elected in 2025 with 4-year terms will serve a shortened 3-year term and be on the ballot in 2028, this includes the town council positions along with some town clerks and superintendents of highways,” Hendricks explained. “The 4-year term offices that were elected in 2023, will be on the ballot in 2027 and then again in 2030. This includes the town supervisors form Greene and Lincklaen along with councilmember positions, town clerks, and superintendents of highways.”

While the law is causing some big changes to local elections in the next few years, once the offices are held on an even-year schedule, elected officials will serve their full terms. This law does not impact all local elections. No changes will be made to the elections for countywide offices, city offices, and town justices. If those positions are currently on an odd-year cycle, they will remain on that cycle.

With many local positions on the ballot this year, Hendricks explained the process for getting names on the ballot. She explained that often hopeful candidates need a signed petition in order to get their names on the ballot.

If a candidate is a member of a major political party and wishes to run on that line–Democratic, Republican, Conservative or Working Families– ballot access depends on their party and the district that they are running in. In most of Chenango County, ballot access for designation by a major political party is done through petitioning.  Petitions can be circulated from February 24 through April 2 and should be filed with the county between March 30 and April 6. Candidates must get signatures from five percent of registered voters of that party in a district.

If more than one petition is received for the same major political party, a primary election would need to be held. Candidates can also circulate an independent nominating position if they do not wish to align with a specific party or want their name to appear on an additional line.

While this is the general process for most of the county, Hendricks said there are areas where the requirements vary.

“There are a handful of towns, where either the Republican or Democratic parties designate candidates through the caucus process. There are lists on our website where it maps out which process is used for each district by party,” she explained.

Hendricks recommended anyone who wishes to be a candidate to contact the county board of elections. “A potential candidate can speak to either Derik [Williams, Republican Commissioner of Elections] or myself to get all the relevant information about running for office.”

She explained that coming to the office in person is the best option because she and Williams could offer assistance on the election process and help answer any questions a potential candidate might have.

“Ballot access can be intimidating and overwhelming and our office strives to ensure that anyone who wishes to run for office is given the opportunity to do so,” Hendricks said.