Legislation Would Designate April 19th as New York’s Presidential Primary Date to Respect the Religious Observation of Passover

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) announced that The New York State Senate passed legislation designating April 19th as the date for New York’s 2016 presidential primary. The legislation (S5958), which Senator Martins cosponsored, would prevent the election from taking place during the observance of Passover.

     The Democratic National Committee has proposed an alternative presidential primary date of April 26, 2016, which would result in the election being held in the middle of Passover week. The bill passed by the Senate would eliminate any potential conflict for voters who observe Passover.

      “Holding the presidential primary in the middle of Passover is absurd and disrespectful to the many Jewish voters throughout New York. No one should have to choose between observing one of their most sacred holidays or exercising one of their most sacred rights. This is a common-sense measure that must be passed by the Assembly and signed into law,” said Senator Martins.

     The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.