By Richard Winger On June 18, the New York State Senate passed SB 5958, which moves the presidential primary from February 2 to April 19. Parties are free to decide for themselves how presidential candidates get on their primary ballot. They can choose petitions, or to place candidates on the ballot who are eligible for primary season matching funds, or candidates who are discussed in the news media. If they choose petitions, the number is 5,000 or 5% of the party’s membership.
UPDATE: this article says New York Democratic legislators don’t like April 19 (the Senate has a Republican majority). …read more