The State of New Jersey’s primary in 2025 is scheduled for June 3, which happens to fall on the second day of Shavuot. This means that many in our community will be unable to participate on election day – ultimately disenfranchising Jewish voters in the state.
Although voters have the ability to request a mail-in ballot or take part in early voting, keeping the date of the primary on June 3 means that Jewish voters who observe Shavuot will not have the same voting franchise as the general population.
In partnership with Teach NJ and Jewish Federations of New Jersey, we are advocating for the date of the election to be changed. As we’ve pointed out to the governor and top lawmakers, this accommodation should be made for all faith communities when their religious observance falls on an election day.
A bill was just introduced in the Senate and Assembly (S3965/A5149) which proposes to move the election to June 10. A Senate committee hearing has already been scheduled.
Now, we must encourage Assembly leadership to do the same and schedule the bill for committee hearing. Take action by writing to your assembly members, imploring them to urge Assembly leadership to act swiftly to schedule a hearing and pass this bill immediately.
Please take 30 seconds to fill out this action alert and urge your representatives to take the steps needed to reschedule the primary to ensure ALL New Jersey residents, regardless of their religion, can exercise their right to vote on Primary Day.