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Pennsylvania is considering an earlier 2024 presidential primary, partly to avoid voting on Passover

FILE - An early election ballot completion area is being prepared at a collection location at the North Park Ice Skating Rink Lodge area, Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, in McCandless, Pa. Pennsylvania lawmakers plan to begin voting on legislation Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, to move up the state's 2024 presidential primary date, although the dates under discussion may do little to give the state's voters more say in deciding presidential nominees. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

An early election ballot completion area is being prepared at a collection location at the North Park Ice Skating Rink Lodge area, Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, in McCandless, Pa. Pennsylvania lawmakers plan to begin voting on legislation Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, to move up the state’s 2024 presidential primary date, although the dates under discussion may do little to give the state’s voters more say in deciding presidential nominees. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Pennsylvania is contemplating a potential shift in its 2024 presidential primary, aiming to move it from late April to late March. Despite this proposed change, the alteration might not significantly enhance the influence of the state’s voters in the presidential nominee selection process.

Pennsylvania holds a significant role in presidential elections, yet it hasn’t hosted a competitive presidential primary since 2008. Presently, President Joe Biden faces a few Democratic challengers, but he is anticipated to secure his party’s nomination. Similarly, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dominate the early Republican race.

The current law designates the fourth Tuesday in April as Pennsylvania’s primary date, typically falling on April 23. Numerous states are inclined to hold their presidential primaries earlier to amplify their influence in shaping the presidential campaigns. However, Pennsylvania’s reluctance to alter the date arises from concerns that such a change would extend the primary season into the winter holidays.

A proposed bill in the state Senate aims to shift the primary election to March 19 or March 26. This move is motivated by the desire to hold Pennsylvania’s primary before presidential candidates solidify their delegate counts needed for nomination. Despite this, by March 19, some candidates could potentially have already secured the necessary delegates or established an insurmountable lead.

The timing of Pennsylvania’s primary date also intersects with Passover, a Jewish holiday, falling on April 23. Observant Jews abstain from certain activities, akin to the Sabbath, which has prompted greater support for changing the date, including from Gov. Josh Shapiro.

One proposed Senate bill targets March 19, aligning with several other states like Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Arizona. However, this still places Pennsylvania’s primary after significant primaries in larger states. The suggested alternative is March 26, moving Pennsylvania’s primary ahead of a few states including Delaware, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

In the House, another bill proposes shifting the primary to April 2, the Tuesday after Easter. This change would allow candidates to begin collecting signatures for re-election petitions shortly after New Year’s Day. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, the bill’s sponsor, supports this approach.

Ultimately, Pennsylvania’s potential shift in primary dates showcases the intricate balance between optimizing the state’s impact in the nominating process and navigating logistical challenges posed by holidays and candidate requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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