Presidential primary date changed to avoid Passover conflict

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation that moves the date of next year’s presidential primary to avoid conflict with Passover.

The law, which was sponsored by Sen. Samuel Zurier and Rep. Rebecca Kislak, moves the date of the presidential preference primary to Tuesday, April 2.

Director of Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau Meredyth Whitty said that Rhode Island law states that its presidential preference primary is to be held on the fourth Tuesday in April.

However, next year’s fourth Tuesday is April 23, the first full day of Passover.

“We shouldn’t and don’t need to hold an election that falls on a religious holiday,” Kislak said.

The bill was signed by Gov. Dan McKee on Monday. The change only applies to 2024’s primary.