Early voting began on Saturday and will continue through Sunday, November 2. We are certainly a fan of early voting and, having used it twice already, can say how convenient, quick and efficient the whole process is. 

In fact, we haven’t missed an election, School Board, Primary or General Election, in 46 years.

However, we can say we were taken aback when we viewed the Sample Ballots for this November’s General Election.

As were looking down the list of officers to be voted on, we found the Supreme Court Justice, Third Judicial District race mixed in with the town races. In fact, on most Sullivan County ballots, the race for New York State Supreme Court is either at the end, or near the end, of the ballot.

Why?

Well, after much digging we found out that in 2024 New York State Senator James Skoufis and Assemblyman Pamela Hunter co-signed a bill that was passed, amending New York State Election Law. Gov. Hochul signed it into law on August 6, 2024.

This new law amended Election Law 7-104(11), thereby amending the order of how the candidates were placed on the ballot.

At first glance, it doesn’t appear the law changed much. Executive Candidates will still go first, like President, Governor, New York State Comptroller and New York State Attorney General.

Next, Federal Offices will be listed, such as U.S. Senate and Congress.

Next, State Offices like State Senate and State Assembly.

Next are Local Offices, such as county-wide races and town races.

Lastly, the State Legislature thought it prudent to put all the Judges together, including New York State Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate Court, Town Justice and Village Justice.

That is where we have a problem.

When the race for New York State Supreme Court Justice comes between Town Highway Superintendent and Town Justice we believe not only is the importance of the office diminished but the scope of what we are voting on is lost.

There are only 13 Supreme Court Judicial Districts in New York State, and the office carries with it a 14-year term.

The person that Sullivan County voters are electing will represent the 3rd Judicial District, which includes six counties, stretching from Sullivan to Albany counties.

When the office was located to the left of the ballot, it indicated to the voter that this was a state-wide race, which it is, as well as an office of great importance.

We are not trying to diminish our Highway Superintendent or Town Justices, but we feel significance of the Supreme Court has been lost.

And, just wait until we elect a Sullivan County Court Judge and Sullivan County Family Court Judge. They too will be put back by the town races, again confusing voters and, in our opinion, diminishing the office for which they are running.

Judges to the New York County Courts are elected to 10-year terms. They are extremely important to the proper administration of our court systems and insuring our electorate and population have qualified, competent and professional judges in place to handle their duties.

Why won’t they be given their due level of respect of the office by appearing with candidates who are also serving the counties as a whole.

We cannot answer that question and think this new law is not only inappropriate but very misleading to the majority of voters.

We urge our State Legislature to revisit this bill and amend it back to where it was.

If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.