Brooklyn, NY – Councilman David G. Greenfield (D-Brooklyn) has sent a letter to the Honorable Gary L. Sharpe, United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of New York, to express his support for a June primary election day and opposition to a primary election day in July or August. Due to new legislation, the date of all future primaries in New York State must be moved from September. The current possibilities are any given Tuesday in June, July or August.
In order to meet the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment Act, which requires states to send absentee ballots to military and other overseas voters at least 45 days before the general election, New York State needs to move its primary day up from September. To ensure this change is made in time for the 2012 elections, the federal government is suing New York State and the New York State Board of Elections. The case will be decided by Judge Sharpe.
One option being considered is a July or August primary date. Since many of the Orthodox Jewish residents in Brooklyn leave the city during summer months, a July or August primary would make it extremely difficult for them to exercise their right to vote. As a result, Councilman Greenfield believes a June primary election date would be fairest for all constituencies.
“Although Congress has taken important steps to end the disenfranchisement of our service men and women in fall primaries, I believe that scheduling the New York State primary in the months of July and August would only serve to disenfranchise a different group of voters,” Councilman Greenfield wrote. “About half of the voters in my district will typically leave the city during those months, and families based outside of New York City for the summer will find it very difficult to return for a July or August primary… A June primary will not only meet the goal of guaranteeing the opportunity to vote for our men and women in the armed forces, it will also ensure that my constituents in Brooklyn will have a fair chance to participate as well.”
Judge Sharpe, who is overseeing the federal lawsuit against the State and Board of Elections, is expected to issue his ruling by the end of the week.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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7 Responses
what about absentee ballot ? In anyway people travel back to Israel to be able to Vote.
Going to the country is a luxury. This sounds like a poor argument. A better argument would be more like “many parents travel during the summer, so make the primary in June prior to when schools get out”.
Not to mention, that if you are in the Catskills on election day, you can use an absentee ballot.
And they probably could still do the first week in September, which is more than 45 days before the election.
This really doesn’t look good. The same Councilman who is always asking for assistance with vouchers etc is now saying that half his constituents vacation for 2 months of the years? This will not be portrayed well among others. Many people would love to vacation for 2 weeks, let alone 2 months.
I understand Greenfield’s point but this is going to taken badly.
Oy poor bubbeleh, they won’t be able to vote if they run to the catskills. Let them vote absentee if its so important OR don’t go to the country!
Can it really be that half of those residing in his district heave Brooklyn for July and August? I find that figure highly inflated.
And how many of the 50,000 would vote in June?
Special election will not effect Boro Park since Carl Kruger is not in that district.
Dear AKuperma – going to the Catskills is not a luxury for my and my family living in Boro Park. It’s cheaper to go there then send my 7 kids to camps.
Also, you clearly didn’t read the article. The judge MUST change the date to BEFORE September. If so, why not do it at a time that is convenient for everyone?
This is WHY we elected Greenfield. Thank you R’ Duvid!