Governor
Daniel D. Tompkins was elected
Vice President of the United States in November 1816; he resigned in February 1817. Article XVII of the
New York State Constitution of 1777 said that "...as often as the seat of government shall become vacant, a wise and descreet freeholder of this State shall be, by ballot, elected governor,...,which elections shall be always held at the times and places of choosing representatives in assembly..." This meant that, whenever a vacancy occurred, the Lieutenant Governor did not succeed to the governor's office but administrated the state only until the end of the yearly term of the
New York State Assembly on June 30, the successor being elected in April. ==Candidates==