Our endorsement on Suffolk's Proposal Two

The state’s highest court upheld a new law mandating even-year elections for county and town offices.

One downside is the transition phase, as the law forces a bizarre outcome for this year's Suffolk County legislative races — the last to be held in an odd year. This year's winners would normally have two-year terms. Instead, they face reelection next year as the even-year law takes effect. Their seats would open up again in 2028.

That means voters and candidates face an unheard-of three elections in four years for the 18 members of Suffolk’s legislature -— unless Proposal Two is passed. This county charter amendment would change the terms of legislators from two to four years. If it’s approved, those elected next month would get to serve a three-year term beginning in January. Their seats would next come open in 2028 to begin the cycle of four-year terms.

Four-year terms for legislators were defeated at the polls in 2020 in Suffolk County by a lopsided margin of 70%-30%.

See our recommendation for the Suffolk ballot prop below.

Endorsements are determined solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.