Date change for presidential primary now enacted

Presidential primary will be held April 2 instead of during Passover

STATE HOUSE – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Samuel D. Zurier and Rep. Rebecca Kislak rescheduling next year’s presidential primary to avoid a conflict with Passover has been signed into law.

Under the legislation (2023-S 1010, 2023-H 6309), which passed the General Assembly June 12 and was signed by Gov. Dan McKee June 19, the presidential preference primary will be held on Tuesday, April 2. The change applies only to 2024’s primary.

Rhode Island law states that its presidential preference primary is to be held on the fourth Tuesday in April. In 2024, that date is April 23, which is the first full day of Passover.

“We shouldn’t and don’t need to hold an election that falls on a religious holiday. I was glad to be able to help move the presidential preference primary to a date that isn’t on Passover,” said Representative Kislak (D-Dist. 4, Providence).

The bill had the support of Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore.

Said Senator Zurier (D-Dist. 3, Providence), “Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams on the principles of religious freedom and tolerance. The General Assembly’s vote to accommodate this major religious holiday is the latest example of our state’s commitment to this fundamental value.”