McLaughlin & Stern Secures Appellate Victory in Expedited Election Law Proceeding

New York, NY — May 19, 2026 — McLaughlin & Stern secured a successful appellate victory on behalf of a New York State Senate candidate in a fast-moving election law proceeding concerning ballot access ahead of the upcoming election.

The proceeding sought to remove the candidate from one of the party ballot lines, which would have limited the candidate’s ability to receive votes from that line in the upcoming election. Following expedited litigation at the trial court level, McLaughlin & Stern appealed the decision to the Appellate Division.

Because the matter arose under New York election law, the case proceeded on an accelerated timeline, moving from pleadings to trial and appeal within approximately three weeks. McLaughlin & Stern argued the appeal before the Appellate Division on Wednesday, and the Court issued a decision the following day reversing the lower court and allowing the candidate to remain on the ballot.

“This was a fast-moving and high stakes proceeding with significant implications for both our client and voters,” said Mark Luccarelli, Partner at McLaughlin & Stern, who was in charge of the matter for the firm and argued the appeal on behalf of the candidate. Mr. Luccarelli, who was assisted in the preparation of the paper submissions to the lower court by firm partner Andrew J. Luskin, said he “was pleased the Appellate Division acted swiftly to protect our client’s ballot access rights.”

The case reflects the increasingly expedited and complex nature of election law litigation in New York, particularly in the lead up to elections.

McLaughlin & Stern’s litigation team regularly advises candidates, campaigns, political organizations, and stakeholders on election law matters, ballot access disputes, and expedited appellate proceedings throughout New York.

About McLaughlin & Stern, LLP

McLaughlin & Stern, established in 1898, is one of New York’s most distinguished law firms. The firm provides a diverse range of sophisticated legal services to businesses and individuals and has particular expertise in corporate, securities, mergers and acquisitions, hedge funds, corporate finance, litigation and alternative dispute resolution, employment law, trusts and estates, real estate, intellectual property, bankruptcy and reorganization, tax, family and matrimonial law, health care law, art law, environmental law, maritime law, international law, and other private client matters. 

For more information about McLaughlin & Stern and their legal services, please visit their website at www.mclaughlinstern.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Vlasto, josh@joshvlasto.com