About the Proposal

What Are You Voting On?

On June 19, Southampton Village residents will vote on a ballot proposition to change Village elections from an annual election cycle to every other year, while changing elected officials’ terms from 2 years to 4 years.

The proposal would:

• Move elections from every year to every other year

• Allow elected officials to serve 4-year terms

• Keep elections in June, focused on local Village issues

• Begin implementation in 2028

• Maintain a staggered Board of Trustees

Ballot Proposition

Residents are being asked to vote on whether Southampton Village should adopt a new election structure that would create 4-year terms for Village officials.

Why Support This Proposal?

No More Annual Village Elections

Village residents are currently asked to vote in elections every year.

This proposal means elections would happen every other year instead, reducing election fatigue while maintaining resident participation in local government.

Residents will still vote regularly — just not every single year.

More Time Focused on Village Priorities

Village priorities such as roads, infrastructure, traffic, budgeting, zoning, and sewer improvements often take years to complete.

Longer terms would give elected officials more time to:

• Focus on governing instead of campaigning

• See long-term projects through from beginning to end

• Build greater experience and understanding of Village government

• Work more consistently with Village staff and departments

• Improve continuity and long-term planning

A more stable election cycle can help the Village government operate more efficiently and remain focused on long-term solutions.

The Board Remains Staggered

The proposal does not change the staggered structure of the Board of Trustees.

A staggered board means not every official is elected at the same time. Different Trustee seats remain up for election during different election years, helping preserve institutional knowledge and continuity in Village government.

Public Hearing on Term Limits

The Southampton Village Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on June 11 regarding term limits, including a proposal to limit service to 8 years.

The hearing is intended to address questions about accountability while maintaining the benefits of longer terms and a more stable election cycle.

Saving Taxpayer Dollars

Annual elections are increasingly costly.

Election expenses are projected to exceed $40,000 annually, and reducing the frequency of elections may reduce the logistical and financial burden on taxpayers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this eliminate elections?

No. Residents would still vote regularly. Elections would simply happen every other year instead of every year.

Does this reduce accountability?

No. Village officials would still stand before voters, and the Board of Trustees is considering 8-year term limits, with a public hearing scheduled for June 11.

What does a staggered board mean?

A staggered board means not all officials are elected at once. Elections would continue every other year, with different Trustee positions appearing on the ballot at different times.

Why keep elections in June?

Keeping elections in June helps ensure local Village issues remain the focus and are not overshadowed by state or national politics.

When would the changes take effect?

If approved by voters, implementation would begin in 2028.

Why are 4-year terms being proposed?

Supporters believe longer terms will allow elected officials to focus more on long-term planning, complete major projects, and spend less time campaigning.