NY A00532

Prohibits at-large elections for all members of town and village governing bodies, requiring election by wards instead.

Mandates county boards of elections to divide towns and villages into wards equal to the number of governing body members, with approximately equal numbers of eligible voters in each ward.

Requires wards to be reapportioned in the same year as congressional, assembly, and senate districts pursuant to the state constitution.

Allows towns and villages to petition for temporary exemption from ward requirements for the first election after September 1, 2024, if jointly approved by the secretary of state and attorney-general at least six months before the election.

Directs the attorney-general to report to the governor and legislature by April 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028 on towns and villages granted exemptions, including reasons, population, and election outcomes.