The Assembly districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards,[1] forming a contiguous area, all within the same county.

The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Governor, was: Democratic 535,000; Republican 342,000; Prohibition 26,000; and Greenback 12,000.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the State Capitol in Albany on January 2, 1883; and adjourned on May 4.

Alfred C. Chapin (D) was elected Speaker with 84 votes against 41 for Theodore Roosevelt (R).

[2] On January 11, John C. Jacobs (D) was elected president pro tempore of the State Senate.