In an effort that would save taxpayers across New York State nearly $50 million annually in addition to improving voter turnout, the Assembly passed legislation (A.8198) on Monday that would align the state’s primary election date to the federal primary date.

“The current arrangement of having two separate dates for state and federal primaries doesn’t make any sense,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Holding these on the same day will save taxpayer dollars and also make it more convenient for those who go to the polls to only have to go once.”

Specifically, the bill would amend the state’s election law to make the fourth Tuesday in June Primary Day for state elections, which is the same date for federal primary elections. Doing so would mean that local governments would not face duplicative administrative costs of holding an election.

Additionally, the bill would bring New York into compliance with the Military Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, which the federal government passed in 2009. The MOVE Act was designed to give military and other citizens living overseas greater voting protections by giving them enough time to complete absentee ballots.