A bipartisan group of town leaders in Westchester and Putnam counties is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto a measure that would in the coming years shift local-level elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years.

The change is meant to boost turnout in local elections by aligning them with state and federal races while also save money. But opponents have contended the change will lead to confusion. Republicans have alleged the changes would give an advantage to Democrats in municipal elections.

Town supervisors from Westchester and Putnam counties this week in a letter, meanwhile, also questioned the need for the legislation. The change would largely effect most towns and counties in New York and be gradually phased in.

"Mandating such a change without giving local municipalities the right to opt in or out, without discussion, is onerous," the supervisors wrote in the letter to Hochul urging a veto. "At a minimum, towns and counties should be allowed to decide for themselves which direction they would prefer."

They wrote a veto from Hochul "would preserve the ability of the residents all across the state to have a meaningful voice in local issues and government accountability."

Opposition to the change has also come from county government officials, who have argued the switch would lead to a reduced focus on local issues and further nationalize politics.

Lawmakers who had backed the provision as the legislative session drew to a close this month contend the move to even-numbered year elections would boost turnout for races that more casual voters tend to skip over.

"As it stands right now, in a lot of these local, town and county elections, you have 20 or so percent of voters deciding the outcome for the entire jurisdiction," said state Sen. James Skoufis earlier this month. "Why are you so afraid of 50, 60, 70 percent of voters determining who should hold these local positions?"