The New York state Capitol is seen in Albany, N.Y.,...

The New York state Capitol is seen in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Credit: AP/Hans Pennink

ALBANY, N.Y. — A mid-level appeals court in New York has upheld a law that shifts many local elections to even-numbered years — a policy meant to align county and town elections with statewide and federal races but that has led to pushback from Republicans.

Democrats argue that the law, which was approved two years ago, would result in increased turnout in local races. Republicans sued to block it, saying it violates the state constitution and that it could give Democrats a partisan advantage in higher-turnout election years.

On Wednesday, a panel of appeals court judges ruled that the law can take effect and that there is no need to delay its implementation until the 2027 election cycle. The decision overturned a lower court's ruling last year that struck down the law.

New York City elections aren't affected by the law.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about winning a 3rd state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about winning a 3rd state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

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