TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s 2025 primary election date will be shifted to June 10 to avoid a conflict with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, state leaders announced Friday.
Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin issued a joint statement explaining the decision, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that religious observances do not hinder voter participation.
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and everyone deserves the freedom to have their voice heard at the ballot box,” the leaders said. “We cannot allow deeply held and legitimate religious beliefs to become a barrier to voting.”
Shavuot, a significant Jewish holiday, begins at sundown on June 3 and ends at nightfall on June 5 in 2025. The state’s original primary date of June 3 would have overlapped with the holiday’s observance, potentially limiting participation among observant Jewish voters.
State officials are now working to finalize the legislative and administrative adjustments needed to confirm the new date.