Assembly introduces bill to move primary elections to June

By MATTHEW DONDIEGO

After failing to pass similar legislation nearly two years ago, Assembly Democrats once again introduced a bill that would move state primary elections to June.

The bill (A.8198) would move the state's primary election from the Tuesday after the second Monday in September to June. As the law is now, federal primaries for New York take place in June and state office primaries in September. Combining federal, state and local primaries would eliminate an additional — and costly — election, saving New York about $50 million, says Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

"Moving New York's primary date to June is a common-sense solution that not only lifts an unnecessary financial burden off of both local municipalities and taxpayers, it also ensures that more New Yorkers have a chance to participate in the Election Day process," Silver, D-Manhattan said.

Ways and Means Committee Chair Herman Farrell Jr, D–Manhattan, called moving the election to June a "practical decision."

Read more at http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-10-28-85613.113122-Assembly-introduces-bill-to-move-primary-elections-to-June.html