Yesterday, Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-88) voted to move the 2018 state primary election date from Tuesday, Sept. 11, to Thursday, Sept. 13, out of respect for those who lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as those celebrating Rosh Hashanah (A.8917-A).

“Voting is our most important civic duty, and having consistency in our primary date is important to participation. Nevertheless, in some years, it’s equally important to make an exception,” Assemblymember Paulin said.

“Although New York State law requires that the state primary election be held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September, that date is problematic this year. For one thing, it’s the second day of Rosh Hashanah, one of the High Holy Days of the Jewish faith. For another, it is Sept. 11, a day that holds tremendous meaning for all New Yorkers,” Assemblymember Paulin said.

“Sept. 11 will forever be a day of remembrance, a time to mourn our fellow New Yorkers whose lives were taken far too soon by an unforgiveable act of terrorism,” Assemblymember Paulin said. “It is also a day to honor the brave firefighters, EMTs and police officers who showed us the best of America during our darkest hours. Moving the primary election two days allows us to come together to show our respect to those who died and those who came to the rescue.”

The vote in the Assembly was unanimous, and the bill is expected to be quickly brought up for a vote in the Senate.

Although the date change this year will remove barriers to participating in state elections for those observing Rosh Hashanah or commemorating the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Assemblymember Paulin also noted that the Assembly has routinely passed legislation to consolidate the state’s election calendar by combining the state and federal primary election dates to the fourth Tuesday in June (A.3052). This would not only prevent the primary from falling on Sept. 11 or Rosh Hashanah in the future, but would also save taxpayers an estimated $25 million, reduce the burden on county boards of elections and keep New York State compliant with the federal Military Overseas and Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act. Further, holding both primaries on the same date would make it easier for New Yorkers to vote, increasing voter turnout and strengthening our democracy.