Today, December 9, Gubernatorial candidate Josh Gottheimer led a bipartisan letter signed by candidates Jon Bramnick, Mikie Sherrill, and Steve Sweeney encouraging the New Jersey state legislature to reschedule the 2025 primary election date. The current date is on the Jewish holiday, Shavuot, and will prevent many Jewish voters from exercising their democratic right and responsibility to vote.
“Dear Senate President Scutari and Speaker Coughlin:
As candidates for the 2025 gubernatorial election, we kindly urge you to please shift the date of the 2025 primary elections from their current scheduled date of June 3. This day conflicts with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (June 2-3), presenting a major dilemma for many Jewish voters who cannot vote on that day because of their religious observances.
The legitimacy of our democratic electoral system rests on the broadest participation possible. It is untenable that any group should have to choose between their religious practices and their right to vote.
As candidates for New Jersey’s highest office, we share a commitment to eliminating barriers to participation. We did it at the height of the pandemic, when the state shifted certain election dates and candidate filing deadlines to maximize ballot access. We have done it since then by expanding access to and ease of voting early and by mail. And, we must do it now by shifting the date of the 2025 primary elections to after Shavuot.
The solution is simple. Last year, Maryland passed a law shifting their April 23, 2024 primary election – which coincided with the Passover and Ramadan holidays – to May 14. They held a successful primary election without issue.
We urge the New Jersey legislature to waste no time. We should immediately pass a law moving the 2025 primary election to a later date that maximizes ballot access for all New Jersey voters. At a time when voters have more doubts than ever about the fairness of our elections, this is unquestionably the right thing to do.
Thank you for your immediate consideration.”
Signed,
Josh Gottheimer, Jon Bramnick, Mikie Sherrill, Steve Sweeney
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In a recent letter addressed to the gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey, the issue of the primary date change was brought to the forefront. The primary date change, which was recently moved from June to May, has sparked controversy and concern among the candidates as they prepare for the upcoming election.
The letter, sent by a group of concerned citizens and political activists, urged the candidates to address the implications of the primary date change and how it may impact their campaigns. The group highlighted the importance of ensuring that all voters have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and voiced concerns about voter turnout and engagement in the earlier primary date.
The candidates were urged to consider the potential challenges that the new primary date may present, including a shorter campaign season and less time for candidates to connect with voters. The group also emphasized the need for transparency and communication from the candidates regarding their plans to adapt to the new primary date and reach out to voters in a meaningful way.
In response to the letter, several gubernatorial candidates have expressed their commitment to engaging with voters and addressing the challenges posed by the primary date change. Some candidates have announced plans to increase their outreach efforts, hold more town hall meetings, and utilize social media platforms to connect with voters in the lead-up to the primary election.
Overall, the primary date change has brought new challenges and considerations for the gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey. As they navigate this new landscape, it will be crucial for candidates to prioritize voter engagement, communication, and transparency in order to ensure a fair and democratic election process.
