Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester, Henrietta, Chili) announced the Assembly passed legislation to move the state one step closer to moving this year’s Primary Election to June, a measure that would save NY taxpayers $50 million.

“Holding two primaries in the state is an unnecessary and costly burden on New York State taxpayers,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “By holding all primaries on a single day we can reduce costs to local governments and encourage voter participation; it’s a common sense way for our government to be more efficient.”

Assembly bill A.8198, of which Bronson is a sponsor, consolidates the election calendar so that federal and state primaries occur on the same day, the fourth Tuesday in June. Consolidating the primaries into one day will save taxpayers $50 million and encourages voter participation.

Moving the date will also put the state in compliance with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act. This federal law requires absentee ballots be in the hands of overseas military personnel 45 days prior to a general election, New York’s September primary date does not comply with the law.