Yorktown to Hold Special Election on April 16, 2024

February 2, 2024 – The Town of Yorktown will hold a special election on April 16 to fill the vacant Town Supervisor’s position.

Nine days of early voting will precede the special election, which under state law cannot be combined with New York’s presidential primary on April 2. The winner of the special election will take an oath of office immediately after the Westchester County Board of Elections certifies the vote.

The special election follows the untimely death of former Supervisor Tom Diana, who passed away from a heart attack on January 5 just days after beginning a two-year term.

Yorktown adopted a local law about 10 years ago that allows the Town Board to appoint a supervisor or hold a special election in the event of a vacancy. Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman said an election is the most democratic option.

“I believe in the right of the people,” said Deputy Supervisor Lachterman during Wednesday’s special meeting. “If you’ve already said this is how we would like to address (vacancies), then it’s our obligation—especially since there is a local law—to follow through.”