Nassau Officials Face Shortened Terms After Court Ruling

New York's election calendar change upheld by state's highest court alters length of terms for many Nassau County officeholders.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A change to New York's election calendar upheld by the state's highest court has altered the length of terms for officials elected in Nassau County in 2025, sending many back to the ballot sooner than originally expected. The New York State Court of Appeals unanimously upheld a 2023 law requiring most county and town elections to be held in even-numbered years, on Oct. 16, ending a two-year legal battle and setting in motion a statewide shift aimed at aligning local elections with higher-turnout state and federal contests.

Why it matters

The ruling will impact the terms of many Nassau County officials, including the North Hempstead town supervisor, Hempstead town supervisor, and several Nassau County legislative seats, all of which will now appear on the ballot again sooner than under the previous election schedule. Supporters say the change is intended to boost voter participation and reduce election costs, while critics argue it disrupts local governance and shortens terms approved by voters.

The details

As a result of the court's decision, officials elected in Nassau County during the 2025 odd-year elections will begin serving shortened terms. Those elected to two-year terms will serve just one year before standing for re-election in 2026, while officials elected to four-year terms will serve three years and return to the ballot in 2028. Starting in 2026, municipalities across the state are required to begin transitioning their odd-year elections to even years, affecting most county and town offices.

  • The New York State Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the law in the fall of 2023.
  • The 2025 elections marked the final time many Nassau County candidates ran for office in an odd-numbered year.
  • Future races for affected county and town positions in Nassau County will now coincide with even-year elections, starting in 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who praised the court's decision, calling it a win for voter participation.

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What they’re saying

“The Court of Appeals' unanimous decision to uphold New York's even-year election law is a victory for democracy and all New Yorkers. I championed this legislation because I believe our state is stronger when more people have the opportunity to make their voices heard.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (Press Release)

What’s next

The shift to even-year elections is now settled law, reshaping the election cycle and term lengths for local officials across Nassau County and much of New York state.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around election reform, with supporters arguing the changes will boost voter participation and reduce costs, while critics contend it disrupts local governance and shortens terms approved by voters. The ruling will have a significant impact on the political landscape in Nassau County and across New York in the coming years.