The Assembly passed a one-house bill that would ensure state and federal primaries in New York State are held simultaneously on the same date, according to North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell.

Russell says merging the two would save taxpayers millions of dollars, encourage voter turnout and ensure members of the military stationed overseas have ample time to vote. The bill proposes the primaries be held on the fourth Tuesday in June.

“Every vote matters when it comes to elections, and establishing one day for both state and federal primaries is a strong step toward ensuring the voices of more New Yorkers are heard and counted,” Russell said. “Moving the state primary to June to coincide with the federal primary would reduce confusion, save taxpayer dollars and give our men and women in uniform more time to cast their ballots.”

This year’s federal primary is scheduled for June 28, while the state primary is set for Sept. 13. The Assembly’s legislation would combine the two to streamline the electoral calendar, save taxpayers an estimated $25 million and ensure compliance with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act.

The MOVE Act requires that absentee ballots be in the hands of overseas military personnel at least 45 days before a federal general election. While the federal law does not apply to New York’s September state primary election, the logical move is to combine the primaries, Russell noted.

“Simplifying New York State’s voting schedule – which currently includes a presidential primary in April, federal primary in June, state primary in September and general election in November – is a common-sense measure that will help increase voter turnout and improve the democratic process,” Russell added.

Although the bill passed in the Assembly, attempts to move the primary are likely to face opposition in the senate, where in the past concerns have been raised that the June date would interfere with the budget process.

Russell represents Ogdensburg, Massena, Canton, Potsdam and several other towns in northern St. Lawrence County.