Delegate Election Timelines

Delegates and their corresponding alternates are elected to two-year terms during a year with an odd number. If both the delegate and alternate positions become vacant, a special election may be held in a year with an even number. Those elected in a special election serve only the remaining year of the regular election unexpired term.

Please note: Election policies and deadlines are set by statute (Chapter 505 of New York State Education Law). The Retirement System has no jurisdiction over the election process, which by law is the responsibility of each district’s chief school administrator or his or her designee. 

If you have any questions, contact the System at 518-447-2900 ext. 4071 or [email protected]. 

Following are the election timelines for both regular and special elections. 

Regular Election

Held in years with odd numbers.

March 1 to June 1: Employers hold elections. 

July 1: Deadline for employers to report election results to NYSTRS via the Employer Secure Area (ESA). (If July 1 falls on a weekend, the deadline would be the next business day.) 

Aug. 1: Delegate/alternate two-year terms begin.

Special Election

Held in years with even numbers.

March 1 to Oct. 1: Employers hold elections. 

Oct. 6: Deadline for employers to report election results to NYSTRS via the Employer Secure Area (ESA). (If Oct. 6 falls on a weekend, the deadline would be the next business day.) 

Delegate/alternate terms begin once election results are reported to NYSTRS. Terms end July 31 of the next year with an odd number.