Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman today urged the Legislature to pass a law to change the date of the June 2025 primary election so that it does not conflict with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
“Atlantic County’s vibrant Jewish community should not have to choose between practicing their religion and exercising their right to vote,” said Suleiman. “Especially at a time when antisemitism is at a frightening level, we need to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and move the June 2025 primary so that everyone has the ability to vote.”
After conferring with Democratic and Republican elections officials, Suleiman is recommending that the Legislature push the date of the 2025 primary election back by one week from Tuesday, June 3 to Tuesday, June 10.
“Pushing the primary election back a week is an easy fix to make sure that some Jewish voters are not disenfranchised while at the same time not adversely affecting the general election timeline. This is a no-brainer,” said Suleiman.
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New Jersey Assemblyman Jamel Suleiman is calling for legislative action to change the date of the state’s June primary in order to increase voter turnout and make the election process more accessible to all residents.
Currently, New Jersey holds its primary election on the first Tuesday in June, which often falls during the busy summer season when many residents are on vacation or otherwise occupied. This can lead to lower voter turnout and disenfranchise certain groups of voters who may not be able to make it to the polls on that particular day.
Suleiman believes that moving the primary to a different date, such as the second Tuesday in June or even later in the month, could help to increase voter participation and ensure that all eligible residents have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the democratic process.
In a statement, Suleiman said, “It is crucial that we make voting as accessible as possible for all New Jersey residents. By changing the date of the June primary, we can help to ensure that more people are able to participate in the electoral process and have a say in the future of our state.”
Suleiman’s call for legislative action has garnered support from various advocacy groups and fellow lawmakers who believe that changing the date of the primary could have a positive impact on democracy in New Jersey.
While it remains to be seen whether Suleiman’s proposal will gain traction in the state legislature, the conversation around increasing voter turnout and accessibility in New Jersey is an important one that will likely continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.
