Posted: | May 13, 2019 11:13 AM |
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From: | Senator John R. Gordner |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Change to the Date of Presidential Primary Elections |
In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that would move up the date of our Presidential primary election in the Commonwealth. Under existing law, the primary takes place on the fourth Tuesday of April. In most Presidential elections, the outcome is largely decided before our voters have a chance to cast their vote. My bill will move Pennsylvania’s Presidential primary election day to the third Tuesday of March. This will allow our voters to have a significant say in the outcome of these essential elections, while not running afoul of any rules set forth by the Democratic National Committee or the Republican National Committee. Further, to avoid any confusion for voters and candidates alike in the upcoming 2020 election, my bill will not take effect until the Presidential primary of 2024. It is anticipated that, with this change, our primary would be on the same day as Arizona, Florida and Illinois. My bill will not change the date of primary elections in non-Presidential years. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB779