ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — It’s official: New Yorkers will have to wait until August to vote in the primary elections for U.S. representatives, rather than June.
A federal judge gave his stamp of approval Tuesday for the delay.
The congressional primaries are being pushed back after new Democrat-drawn district maps were deemed unconstitutional by New York’s high court.
A state judge and independent expert in Steuben County are now busy drawing up new congressional and state Senate maps.
New York is still planning to hold primary elections for governor and the state Assembly in June, but the primary for state senate is also moving to August 23.
Michelle LaFave, Jefferson County’s Democratic Elections Commissioner, said Wednesday the August primary vote will cost an extra $50,000 – $60,000.
“We had no idea to prepare for this,” she said. LaFave said they’re to convince the state to pick up the tab.
While she worries about turnout – primaries traditionally draw fewer voters than the general election in November, and now they’ll be asked to vote twice – she said the Board of Elections will be ready.
“It’s gonna be crazy and hectic and it’s gonna be super busy, but we’re ready for it,” she said.
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