Scutari says talks are underway for adjusting primary election as pressure grows

Senate President Nick Scutari said there have been talks of moving the date of next year’s primary election, but it’s still unclear what actions might be taken.

A group of Jewish leaders wrote a letter to state officials last week asking to reschedule the primary election because it falls on the same day as Shavuot, a holiday during which observant Jews are not permitted to use electronic devices, write, drive, or travel. Scutari said Gov. Phil Murphy has discussed adding additional days of early voting, but said it could be hard to change the date.

“There have been [talks], but I don’t know if we’re going to do anything,” Scutari told reporters Monday. “I’m not against changing it, but it can be difficult.”

The primary election is on Tuesday, June 3, and Shavuot ends at sundown, 9:14 p.m.

“While mail-in and early voting options are available, primary election day remains the most common time for casting ballots,” the faith leaders wrote. “The overlap of these dates means that, without intervention, a significant portion of our community will be disenfranchised.”

A quartet of gubernatorial candidates asked Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin to reschedule the election in a Monday letter. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), and former Senate President Steve Sweeney said the primaries should be moved after Shavuot.

“It is untenable that any group should have to choose between their religious practices and their right to vote,” the four wrote. “As candidates for New Jersey’s highest office, we share a commitment to eliminating barriers to participation.”

State Sen. Paul Sarlo said Monday that a bill, which he said is being discussed by both chambers, would come either through the Senate Judiciary Committee or the Budget and Appropriations Committee.