Move June primary date later

Summary#

A-5655 would amend three New Jersey election-law provisions; it would not create a new law. It would move the June primary for the general election and for national-convention delegates and alternates from the Tuesday after the first Monday in June to the Tuesday after the second Monday. The bill’s stated goal is to move the primary date. It is introduced and is not law.

  • The new date would also apply to choosing political parties’ county and municipal committee members at the primary for the general election.
  • Polling hours would remain 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the primary would remain in the same places as the ensuing general election.
  • The timing of primaries for special elections would not change: they would still be held 20 to 30 days before the special election.
  • If enacted, the change would take effect January 1 next following enactment.

What it means for you#

  • Voters: The June primary date would be one week later. The bill does not change who can vote or how they vote.
  • Candidates and political parties: The primary for the general election, including the selection of national-convention delegates and alternates, would happen on the later date.
  • Election officials: They would have to hold those primaries on the new date if the bill takes effect. The bill does not change polling hours or locations.
  • People involved in special elections: This bill would not change the timing of their primaries.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

  • The bill contains no stated appropriation, fee, fine, or funding arrangement.
  • No estimate is given for any staffing or administrative costs of changing the date.

What is unclear#

  • Whether the change would affect any other election deadlines is not explained in the bill.
  • The bill does not give a reason for moving the date or describe expected effects on voters, candidates, parties, or election administration.
  • No estimate is provided for the change’s administrative costs.
  • Passage is uncertain because the bill has only been introduced.

Case for#

  • A possible argument for the bill is that it sets a later date for the June primary while keeping the existing voting hours and polling places.
  • The bill applies the same new date to the general-election primary and the selection of national-convention delegates and alternates.

Case against#

  • One concern is that a later primary could leave less time between the primary and the general election for any work that must happen after primary results are known. The bill does not change the general-election date.
  • The bill does not explain why a later date is preferable or what effects it expects.
  • The cost of changing election administration is not estimated.