Dem leaders commit to moving 2025 primary to avoid conflict with Jewish holiday

Democratic leaders in Trenton on Thursday committed to moving New Jersey’s 2025 primary election to avoid a conflict with Shavuot, a Jewish holiday during which observant Jews cannot use electronics, write, or drive.

In a joint statement, Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) said they have an obligation to ensure everyone can participate in our electoral system.

“We cannot allow deeply held and legitimate religious beliefs to become a barrier to voting. We support moving the 2025 primary to June 10 and will work together to accomplish that goal,” they said.

The 2025 primary will be a major one. So far, six Democrats and six Republicans have announced their intention to seek their party’s nomination for governor (Murphy is barred from seeking a third term next year).

By law, New Jersey’s primaries are held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in June. In 2025, that places the primary on June 3, the final day of Shavuot.

A coalition of New Jersey Jewish leaders last week sent a letter, first reported by Jewish Insider, urging the three Democrats to shift the date of the primary.

Scutari and Sen. Jim Beach (D-Camden) on Thursday introduced legislation that would move the date of the 2025 primary to June 10.

“Religious observance should never be an obstacle to voter participation,” Beach said. “If the current primary date disenfranchises a portion of the electorate, we should do everything in our power to remedy it. Pushing the date back a week is a simple solution.”