New York Must Seriously Consider Holding an Earlier Presidential Primary
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
I cast my ballot in the Democratic primary for President of the United States on Mar. 26. There were no lines. Between Saturday and Tuesday night less than 140 people had cast their ballots in early voting at Greenburgh Town Hall in either the Republican or Democratic primary.
The primary is being held on Apr. 2, and I think the turnout will also be horrible. I can’t understand why the presidential primary is held late in the season – when the nominations have already been decided.
I have written to our state legislators requesting that they adopt legislation so four years from now, the next time there is a Presidential election, New York’s primary would be held earlier in the campaign season. Why should New Yorkers be disenfranchised? Why should our votes not count? The turnout this year for the most important job in the United States is so light because the race has already been decided by states that have voted earlier.
I also hope that the legislature will schedule only one primary date for president, Congress, state legislature and local offices. This year there are two separate primary dates: one for president on Apr. 2 and the other for Congress and the state legislature on June 25. If the primaries were on the same day for all positions, there would be greater voter participation. Taxpayers would also save a ton of money.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
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