by John P. Quigley, Republican Board of Elections Commissioner, Ulster County
As Republican Election Commissioner in Ulster County, I have received numerous inquiries regarding the New York State Republican Primary Elections scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2024. A notable concern has arisen regarding the continuation of the primary process despite certain candidates withdrawing from the race.
The scheduling of presidential primaries varies across states, a testament to our diverse constitutional republic. This ensures that each state has the chance to contribute to the democratic process, allowing its citizens to exercise their right to vote. While this approach fosters inclusivity, it also presents challenges, as candidates navigate the intricate web of deadlines and procedures specific to each state. As a result, the seemingly incongruent timing of candidate exits and entrances becomes an unavoidable consequence of our commitment to ensuring every citizen’s voice is heard.
Once initiated, elections prove difficult to halt due to their cumbersome and time-consuming nature, serving the purpose of safeguarding our democratic procedures. Disparities in deadlines for candidates to enter or withdraw from the ballot, combined with lapses in communication when candidates abandon their campaigns, result in situations such as the impending Republican Primary Election in New York.
In the upcoming April primary, voters will encounter the names of Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, and Donald Trump on their Republican Presidential Primary ballot. These four Republican candidates submitted certifications to the State Board of Elections requesting ballot access. Although three of these candidates have publicly acknowledged suspending their campaigns, they failed to formally notify the State Board of Elections about their desire to be removed from the ballot before the deadline set in statute.
While voters may believe that an election is only a singular day or…
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