Election Law & Campaign Finance

New York’s election laws are complex, fast-changing, and often the focus of litigation and public scrutiny. As election-related challenges continue to rise, our clients rely on us to guide them through the process with clarity and confidence.

The Hodgson Russ Election Law & Campaign Finance Practice offers comprehensive counsel across election-related issues. Whether advising lawmakers, representing candidates in high-stakes disputes, or guiding political bodies through complex compliance and reporting requirements, our attorneys have deep experience in all facets of government and a successful track record of advocacy.

Our attorneys understand how state and local election laws operate, especially in fast-moving, high-pressure political environments where outcomes often hinge on swift, informed decision-making. Our efforts allow clients to participate effectively in the democratic process while maintaining full compliance with applicable laws.

Of particular interest, ballot access in New York demands careful attention to technical requirements that can determine whether a candidate appears on a ballot. We assist candidates and committees with petition preparation, signature collection procedures, and compliance with designation and nomination requirements. When disputes arise, we represent clients in petition challenges before local boards of elections and in state court proceedings, addressing issues of signature validity, residency requirements, and procedural compliance.

Experience That Sets Us Apart

Our attorneys have advised the New York State Assembly majority, individual legislators, candidates for public office, committees, and political bodies across the state. We understand the internal processes, statutory requirements, and procedural nuances that govern New York elections because we have been deeply involved in shaping and interpreting them.

When election disputes reach the courts or administrative forums, we are zealous champions for our clients before boards of elections, state courts, and appellate tribunals. Our litigation experience includes declaratory judgment actions, Article 78 proceedings, and expedited election-related litigation where timing is critical.

We understand that election law matters often operate on compressed timeframes with high stakes. Our practice is structured to respond quickly to emerging issues and provide clear, responsive, and actionable guidance when clients need it most.

Illustrative of this, our attorneys secured decisive wins in Matter of Amedure v. State of New York, successfully defending the validity of mail‑in ballots in two years of successive litigation, prevailing before the Third Department in both instances, and again before the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court. Through these efforts, we worked—and continue to work—to preserve the integrity of fair, transparent, and reliable elections.

This outcome protected votes in a closely watched election cycle, solidifying a clear, statewide standard that stabilizes absentee‑ballot canvassing, curbs partisan stalemates, and provides boards of elections and campaigns with a predictable framework for future New York elections.

Beyond ballot and statutory-related challenges, redistricting and the validity of electoral maps have also been the subject of legal disputes. These are often on grounds of malapportionment, vote dilution, and gerrymandering. Whether a newly drawn electoral map withstands challenge is determinative for certain elective office holders and candidates. Our firm successfully defended a county legislature in federal and state challenges to redistricting maps.

Our Services

• Election Law & Election-Related Litigation
• Ballot Access, Qualification & Challenges
• Election Contests, Recounts & Judicial Proceedings
• Redistricting and Electoral Map Challenges
• Absentee, Mail-In & Affidavit Ballot Litigation
• Voting Rights Act & Election Administration
• Campaign Finance Compliance & Advisory Work
• Strategic Counsel During Critical Election Cycles

Looking Ahead

Election law challenges are intensifying, and New York remains one of the most procedurally complex election jurisdictions in the country. Our team is prepared to assist clients through upcoming election cycles, ensuring they have experienced, steady counsel when it matters most.

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