New York State Primary Moved From September 11th To September 18th

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) announced that legislation to move the date of New York State’s primary day from September 11th, 2007 to September 18th, 2007 has been signed into law by Governor Eliot Spitzer. This change, which was agreed to by both the Assembly and the Senate earlier this month, will move this political event away from the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks to respect the memories of those who were lost.

It is estimated that 2,819 people died on September 11th 2001. This included approximately 343 firefighters and paramedics along with 23 New York City Police Officers. On September 11th, 2007, New York will honor the sixth year anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

New York State Election law traditionally requires that primary elections be held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September. This year, that day falls on the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This legislation would only apply to this year’s election cycle and leave all future primaries on the lawfully acknowledged date.

"Governor Spitzer has joined with the Legislature in showing the families who lost loved ones that their feelings are important and that this remains a sacred day in our history. While elections are extremely important to our society, there are times when some things are more important. 9/11 was a day that tested our entire state and we need to make sure that we continue to honor the memory of those lost," stated Senator Flanagan.