The Brief

Suffolk County Legislator Proposes Withdrawal from Costly Election Law Lawsuit

Legislator Greg Doroski seeks to end county participation in a federal lawsuit challenging New York's Even-Year Election Law, citing significant legal expenses.

Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski (D-Mattituck) has introduced legislation aiming to withdraw the county from a federal lawsuit challenging New York's Even-Year Election Law. The move comes after the county has already spent over $1.65 million in legal fees on the litigation. The lawsuit, initiated by Suffolk County and other local governments, contests the state's mandate for municipalities to hold elections in even-numbered years. Proponents argue that the law reduces voter turnout and increases costs for local governments. However, the legal battle has been costly, with Suffolk County alone incurring over $1.65 million in legal fees. Doroski's proposed legislation seeks to rescind the county's authorization to participate in the lawsuit and directs the county attorney to withdraw from the case. He argues that continuing the litigation is an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers, especially given the lack of success in state courts. The resolution has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. If passed, it would mark a significant shift in the county's approach to the election law dispute. The move has been met with mixed reactions; some commend the fiscal responsibility, while others express concern over the potential implications for local election processes. This development underscores the ongoing debate over the Even-Year Election Law and its impact on local governance. As the situation evolves, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county communications and public meetings.

Why it matters

Taxpayers have already borne over $1.65 million in legal fees for this lawsuit.
The proposed withdrawal could lead to a reevaluation of the county's legal strategies.
The decision may influence future legal challenges involving local governance and state mandates.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Doroski seeks Suffolk withdrawal from Even Year Election Law case — riverheadlocal.com
Riverhead exits election lawsuit after $207K in legal fees — riverheadlocal.com

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