bloomberg law: Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Files Landmark Challenge to Defend Local Democracy in New York
NEW YORK – October 30, 2025 — Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors filed a lawsuit today challenging the constitutionality of New York’s Even Year Election Law (“EYEL”), a 2023 statute that forces many local elections to coincide with federal and statewide contests beginning in 2025.
The case is brought on behalf of the New York Republican State Committee, along with the Nassau County Republican Committee, the Suffolk County Republican Committee, and a coalition of counties, towns, and elected officials from Nassau, Suffolk, and Orange Counties.
The law, enacted in December 2023 and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, mandates that nearly all county and town offices move from their historic odd-year elections to even-year ballots crowded with federal and statewide contests.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Central Islip Division), argues that the EYEL violates the First Amendment and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by suppressing local political speech, increasing racial polarization, and undermining the independence of self-government.
Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief to block enforcement of the EYEL before it takes effect in the 2026 election cycle.
“The Even-Year Election Law is unconstitutional and undemocratic,” said William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and lead counsel for the plaintiffs. “It is an attempt to drown local voices, burden political speech, and erode the connection between voters and their local governments.”
He added, “This case is about preserving the opportunity for local candidates to address local issues without being overpowered by the national noise machines. The First Amendment protects the right to speak, to serve, and to be heard in every town, in every county, and in every corner of this state.”
Contact:
Ali Dukakis, Director of Communications
Office: 212-527-2580
Cell: 202-440-1198
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