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 a period of Early Voting in addition to Election Day, an election is actually a much longer time period. In reality, the Primary Election has already begun, in a sense. Military and Overseas ballots have been going out. Absentee and Early Vote by Mail ballots have also been sent out to voters as requests come in. Many of these ballots have already been returned by the voter, too.
Interrupting the electoral process becomes challenging once set in motion. Consequently, the Primary Election must proceed, offering voters in our state the opportunity to express their concerns and a platform to influence the democratic process. This vote becomes crucial in shaping the party’s consensus regarding the eventual nominee.
In the upcoming New York State Republican Primary Election, the inclusion of candidates who have suspended their campaigns underscores the intricacies of the electoral process, and symbolizes a snapshot in time when decisions regarding candidacy were not universally aligned. As these candidates occupy the same ballot space, it is a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in synchronizing a national electoral calendar while accommodating the unique circumstances of each state. The voters’ task, in this context, becomes not only an act of selecting a preferred candidate but also a crucial moment in reaffirming the participatory essence of democracy.
The Presidential Primary Election will take place on April 2, 2024. Early Voting will be available from March 23, 2024, through March 30, 2024.
