HARRISBURG, PA – A Senate committee approved a bill that proposes moving Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election date up by five weeks.
Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), the prime sponsor, introduced Senate Bill 224 to allow Pennsylvania voters to have a greater say in the presidential elections. Argall pointed out that Pennsylvania, being the fifth largest state, should have a more significant role in these elections. Under the current law, the state’s 2024 primary would be on April 23; the proposed change moves it to March 19.
The senator also noted that the existing primary date conflicts with the Jewish holiday of Passover, potentially disenfranchising Jewish voters who observe traditional prohibitions on that day.
The bill is now set to go to the full Senate for consideration.