TRENTON, N.J. — Did you know this year’s primary election in New Jersey was supposed to take place on Tuesday, June 3rd, but Governor Phil Murphy made the decision to change it late last year?
Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation on December 31, officially moving New Jersey’s 2025 primary election date from June 3 to June 10 to avoid a conflict with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
The bill, A-5152/S-3965, adjusts the election date out of respect for the observance of the holiday, which begins the evening of June 1 and ends the evening of June 3. Shavuot is traditionally observed with restrictions on work and travel.
The law requires the New Jersey Secretary of State to make all necessary adjustments to deadlines and procedures related to the primary election, and to publish a revised election calendar.
Despite the date change, deadlines for key pre-election processes—such as nominating petitions, ballot position drawings, and the mailing of vote-by-mail ballots—will proceed as though the primary were still being held on June 3.
Officials must notify all relevant election offices and the public of the change by January 7.
Election officials to update calendars and provide notice
The law, effective immediately upon signing, ensures coordination among county clerks, election boards, municipal clerks, and superintendents to maintain election readiness.
The legislation was signed at the close of 2024 to allow election officials time to adjust their operations and provide timely public notice.
Governor Murphy’s decision reflects an effort to accommodate religious observances without altering other major components of the election timeline.