Senator Flanagan Calls For Moving New York State's Primary Day To Respect 9/11 Victims

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 passed the Senate. This change 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 dictates that primary elections be held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September. This year, that unfortunately falls on September 11th. This legislation would only apply to this year’s election cycle and leave all future primaries on the lawfully acknowledged date.

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly for further action.

"Moving elections from this important date will allow the focus to remain on those we lost and our thoughts to be with the families and friends who lost loved ones. It is vitally important that this day remains one of solemn remembrance and personal reflection for all New Yorkers so that we always honor the memory of the innocent victims of that tragic day," stated Senator Flanagan.