September primaries could end soon in N.Y., as bill passes state assembly

In a move that would purportedly save state and local governments, as well as taxpayers, about $50 million, the New York State Assembly passed legislation on January 13 to establish the fourth Tuesday in June as New York’s Primary Day for both federal and state offices.

New York’s primary has been held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September, although prior to 1974 primary elections were held in June.

After the 2009 MOVE Act was enacted, New York’s primary was not in compliance with federal law because it was too close to the deadline for transmitting military and overseas absentee ballots, 45 days prior to a general federal election. 

New York was granted a waiver from MOVE Act compliance in 2010, however a similar request was denied for 2012 and a federal court imposed the federal June primary in New York State.

The measure would bring the state into compliance with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, which sets certain requirements for federal elections in order to accommodate citizens serving overseas in the military and others living abroad.

“Every vote and every voice matters when it comes to elections,” said Election Law Committee Chair Michael Cusick said. “The bill provides greater protections of the voting rights of military personnel, their families, and other overseas citizens.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said a single primary date in June is a common-sense solution that would save state and local governments a significant amount of money.

It would also encourage more voters to participate in the electoral process, he said.

“Unifying the state’s multiple primary dates has been long overdue… We have taken a significant step toward ensuring that voting here in New York is as simple, efficient and cost-effective as possible,” Silver said.

The bill still needs approval by the state senate to become law.

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