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Primary election move to June amid redistricting efforts could cause constituent confusion

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Feb 15, 2012 at 1:39 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 15, 2012 at 2:07 PM EDT

NEW YORK STATE - Constituent confusion? Quite Possibly. New York State is in the process of redrawing its political districts.

Normally, that wouldn't strike apprehension into the hearts of candidates. But in order to comply with federal requirements regarding military ballots and how long before a general election they go out, the federal primary day has been moved from September to June.

The Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, or, LATFOR, held a public hearing in Syracuse on Tuesday. The senators and assemblymembers who make up the body were met with concern about carving up districts in ways that do not benefit taxpayers, but rather, for political gain.

LATFOR members are aware that, with the September primary now happening in June, the pressure is on to finish the task of redistricting so that candidates, like those in the 23rd and 24th congressional districts, know to whom they are campaigning.

"That means we have an escalated time frame and we're going to be working towards that objective to ensure congressional districts are done in time for the appropriate primary process to go forward," says member Michael Nozzolio.

Congressman Richard Hanna (R) 24 says he is running no matter what the district looks like, and that he likes it the way it is.

The primary date was moved up so that New York State would be in compliance with federal guidelines that dictate how far in advance of the general election military ballots are mailed.

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