Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon recently attended a redistricting hearing where he drew criticism for his handling of local election funding. As national headlines highlight an increase in voter registrations, Onondaga County is experiencing a similar surge. To meet mailing deadlines, New York state dispatched additional staff to the county to aid in processing these registrations. Despite the success, McMahon publicly criticized the Board of Elections (BOE), focusing on the Democratic Commissioner for relying on external assistance.
Back in 2023, during budget hearings for the county's 2024 fiscal plans, both Republican and Democratic election commissioners flagged the need for increased staff due to new state voting requirements, upcoming primaries, and the general election. Their requests for additional personnel and funds were declined, despite voter turnout being much higher during presidential election years. The BOE's plea for extra support for election inspectors and temporary staff was only partially met, with some funds put in contingency, gone shortly after.
In September 2023, the League of Women Voters emphasized Onondaga County BOE's staffing and funding shortcomings, highlighting its history as one of New York's most underfunded. According to the league, the county spends around $10.34 per active registered voter, the second lowest in New York, while serving the sixth largest number of voters. Fast forward, state intervention ensured the elections process went smoothly, raising questions about unfair blame on the BOE.
For the 2025 budget, the county executive again proposed funding that fell short of the BOE's needs. Although the legislature tried to bridge the gap through amendments, not all requested funding was secured. Complicating matters, the county executive criticized the elections commissioner for joining a lawsuit challenging gerrymandered district maps. The commissioners were involved by virtue of their roles in redistricting, ensuring fair voter representation through equitable map drawing.
McMahon's actions, including resistance to full early voting implementation and attempts to halt elections during presidential years to control voter turnout, have sparked concerns over voter rights. Additionally, the county lost a costly lawsuit that aimed to maintain gerrymandered maps, now ordered to be redrawn by a judge. With these legal and financing maneuvers, taxpayers must question if their resources are being wisely allocated. Mary Kuhn of DeWitt calls for accountability, urging residents to scrutinize how their tax dollars support their democratic rights.
