Skoufis to Introduce Bill to Move April Presidential Primary to June

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) announced that he will introduce legislation to move the 2020 Presidential Primaries in New York State from April 28 to June 23 to align with the State and Congressional Primary elections. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic and increased concern with communal contact, particularly with early voting, Senator Skoufis contends it is advantageous to take this extra step of caution and provide local communities more time to handle the immediate response to the virus.

“Time is of the essence to act proactively and keep New Yorkers safe,” said Senator Skoufis. “Moving the primary to June will give communities more time to keep resources where they are essential and minimize unnecessary group contact. I’m deeply committed to continuing to stay on the front lines of this pandemic and do everything possible to keep New Yorkers healthy from this virus.”

Additionally, Skoufis pointed out that consolidating primaries will save taxpayers millions of dollars at a time when the Coronavirus response is unexpectedly impacting municipal and county budgets.

The Democratic and Republican Conventions are in July and August, respectively, so a June primary would not have an adverse effect on the conventions. Skoufis’ bill will be introduced in the Senate next week. 
 

###