Kaminsky, Senate change 2018 primary date

(Albany, New York) - Today, NYS Senator Todd Kaminsky voted for, and the Senate passed, legislation (S.7597) to change New York’s scheduled 2018 electoral primary date from September 11 to September 13 to avoid conflicts with both the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah and the National Day of Service and Remembrance of the September 11 attacks. Kaminsky spoke on the floor about how imperative it is that the Senate change the primary date. The bill passed the Assembly and Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“Changing this year’s primary date is absolutely necessary,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “It is unjust to ask voters to choose between their civic duty and their observance of a sacred holiday. It is my responsibility to encourage and empower citizens to engage in our democratic process. Therefore, I will do everything in my power to remove any hindrance from participating in our elections.”

Senator Kaminsky first introduced legislation to change the current September 11 primary date to September 13, as the date directly conflicts with the religious observance of Rosh Hashanah, and the National Day of Service and Remembrance. He is a co-sponsor on today’s legislation. The second day of Rosh Hashanah, which falls on September 11, is one of the holiest days for the Jewish people. Additionally, our nation mourns and honors the heroic individuals who sacrificed their lives, as well as those who perished during the September 11 attacks.

To view the Senator’s speech on the floor, click here for the Youtube link.

**Background**
In November 2017, Senator Todd Kaminsky first announced legislation (S.6955) to change the New York’s scheduled 2018 electoral primary date from September 11 to September 13 to avoid conflicts with both the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah and the National Day of Service and Remembrance of the September 11 attacks.