ELECTING OUR TOWN SUPERVISOR AGAIN THIS NOVEMBER
This November, Pittsford voters will elect our Town Supervisor again—just one year after the last Town Supervisor election. If that seems surprising, you're not alone. A major change to New York State election law has altered the schedule, making this November a critical transition year for our community.
The new election law at a glance:
The structural shift: In 2023, the NYS Legislature officially moved most town and county elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years.
The immediate impact: Pittsford voters must return to the polls to vote for Town Supervisor just one year after the last election.
The long-term future: Moving forward, our local races will share the ballot with major state and federal contests.
Two sides to the debate:
This change sparked strong opinions on both sides of the political aisle:
Proponents—primarily Democratic lawmakers who sponsored and passed the bill, argue that syncing local races with federal elections will increase voter turnout.
Opponents—primarily Republican legislators and local governments who challenged the law in court, worry that vital town issues will be completely overshadowed by national politics.
Bring LOCAL thinking to the ballot box:
Regardless of your party affiliation or your thoughts on the new law, we encourage every eligible Pittsford resident to vote this November. The greatest challenge of this new schedule is ensuring local issues don't get lost in the noise of a national campaign. When you reach the Town Supervisor line on your ballot, be sure you look past the federal headlines; think specifically about Pittsford—our neighborhoods, parks, roads, public safety, finances, character, and future.
The decisions made right here at Town Hall shape our daily lives more directly than any other level of government.
TOWN BOARD MEETINGS ARE WHERE THE DECISIONS THAT MOST DIRECTLY AFFECT YOUR DAILY LIFE ARE ACTUALLY MADE.
Show up at a meeting so you can:
- hear the kinds of questions and comments each board member asks
- hear what tradeoffs are being considered
- watch for non-verbal clues and interactions
- Hear board members' comments under "Other Business". These items are not on the published agenda.
RESIDENT ATTENDANCE KEEPS THE FOCUS ON LOCAL PRIORITIES. Town boards are responsible for core services—roads, safety, zoning, infrastructure. Our attendance helps ensure meetings stay grounded in those local responsibilities rather than drifting into issues outside the town’s control.
In a small town like Pittsford, A HANDFUL OF RESIDENTS AT A MEETING CAN:
- shape the tone of discussion
- influence what issues get more attention
- encourage or discourage decisions
- serve as a reminder that you have a say in the town's direction
YOUR PRESENCE CREATES ACCOUNTABILITY. Elected officials tend to be more careful and transparent when residents are present. Even a small audience changes the dynamic—it signals that people are paying attention.
MANY IMPORTANT TOPICS ARE FIRST MENTIONED DURING MEETINGS: For example, development proposals, policy changes, zoning changes, and budget pressures.
Pittsford is a small town; our presence carries greater weight than it would in a large city. Let’s attend whenever we can!
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TB Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 6PM in the Lower Level of Town Hall. Roughly speaking, the length is an hour; sometimes less.
Here are the 2026 Town Board meeting dates and a link to the calendar:
March 17
April 7 and 21
May 5 and 19
June 2 and 16
July 7 and 21
August 4 and 18
Sept 1 and 15
October 6 and 20
Nov 3 - Election Day
Nov. 4 Town Board meeting is on a Wednesday because of Election Day
Nov 17
Dec. 2 Town Board meeting is on a Wednesday because of Candlelight Night
Dec 15
View the full meeting calendar: townofpittsford.org/calendar
Email comments to the Town Board to be read during meetings: comments@townofpittsford.org