NEW YORK STATE – A state law shifting most local elections in New York to even-numbered years is requiring many officials elected in 2025 to return to the ballot sooner than expected, shortening terms across Sullivan County.

The change stems from legislation adopted by the state Legislature in 2023 that moves many local elections outside New York City from odd-numbered to even-numbered years, aligning them with state and federal races. Several municipalities challenged the law, but it was upheld last year by the New York Court of Appeals, clearing the way for its implementation.

According to guidance issued by the Sullivan County Board of Elections, two-year offices elected in 2025 were converted to one-year terms ending in 2026, while four-year offices elected in 2025 were converted to three-year terms ending in 2028. All officeholders elected prior to 2025 will complete their full terms.

Every town in Sullivan County had at least one local office on the ballot in the November 2025 general election, according to certified candidate lists from the county Board of Elections.

Among those affected is Scott Mace, who was narrowly elected town supervisor in the Town of Thompson in November and is now serving a one-year term. Mace said the shortened timeline makes it difficult to focus solely on governing while preparing for another campaign almost immediately after taking office, and wishes he had more time to show people what he’s capable of. 

“I would like to be concentrating on running the Town of Thompson, not worrying about an election,” Mace said, noting that campaigning for the next election begins just months into the term.

Mace said the one-year term limits what supervisors can realistically accomplish, particularly those who begin their tenure operating under budgets adopted by the previous administration. 

He also criticized the state’s partial implementation of the even-year election shift, noting that several local offices will continue to be elected in odd-numbered years, including sheriff, county clerk, district attorney and town justice.

“If you’re going to do it, change it all,” Mace said. “Rip the Band-Aid off and get it done.”

In a statement, John Pizzolato, supervisor of the Town of Highland, echoed similar concerns, writing that he was “not too thrilled to have to run again.”

Pizzolato cited the cost of elections in both time and money, writing that local races are “typically less funded and smaller,” and said he would rather be “completing the good work of the town.”

Most town supervisors, council members, clerks and highway superintendents elected in 2025 are affected by the change. Several offices are exempt, including sheriff, county clerk, district attorney and town justice, as well as city and village offices and school and fire district elections.

While most towns in Sullivan County elect their supervisors to two-year terms, the Town of Liberty operates on a four-year cycle. Supervisor Frank DeMayo, elected in 2023, will serve out his full term through the end of 2027.