BILL NUMBER: S8604
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to moving the date of the
presidential primary to the first Tuesday in March
 
PURPOSE:
Changes the presidential primary date in New York to Super Tuesday
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 8-100 of the
election law to change the presidential primary date to the first Tues-
day in March.
Section 2: Sets effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
"Super Tuesday" is a term used by pundits and press to describe the
Tuesday in a primary season when the largest number of states vote, and
thus the biggest share of delegates is allocated. Super Tuesday is typi-
cally the first Tuesday in March.
This legislation seeks to move New York's presidential primary to coin-
cide with Super Tuesday to increase the state's influence in the
national nominating process. States that vote earlier in the primary
calendar play a more consequential role in shaping each party's presi-
dential contest. By holding its primary on Super Tuesday, when many of
the nation's most influential states cast their ballots, New York would
ensure that its voters have a meaningful voice while the nomination
remains competitive. Increasing the state's influence in the national
process would, in turn, encourage heavier campaigning in New York, which
can help boost voter awareness and turnout.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8604: 8-100 election law, 8-100(1) election law