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 Secretary of State, was: Democrats 331,000 and Republicans 310,000.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the Old State Capitol in Albany on January 4, 1870; and adjourned on April 26.

On January 17, Henry C. Murphy (D) was elected president pro tempore of the State Senate.

On February 10, the Legislature re-elected Joseph S. Bosworth (D) as a Metropolitan Police Commissioner, for a term of eight years beginning on March 1, 1870.