Despite Pennsylvania’s recurring importance in picking the president in the general election, the state falls considerably short when it comes to deciding the nominees.
Joe Biden became the presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee in April — about two weeks before the Pennsylvania primary was scheduled. The primary had been moved up a month to allow voters a better shot at meaningful participation, but the covid-19 pandemic interfered, and the primary took place in June.
Donald Trump became the 2016 Republican nominee about a week after the Pennsylvania primary, but that was largely semantic. Of 56 primaries and caucuses in U.S. states and territories that year, Trump won 41. Hillary Clinton didn’t secure her Democratic slot until June 2016.
The state has made nods to this over the years. While off-year primaries take place in mid-May, presidential primaries are moved up to April in an effort to be part of the conversation.
In 2024, however, the move to April 23 has a second problem. It will put people going to the polls during Passover, which some — including Gov. Josh Shapiro — worry could depress participation. That has prompted questions about moving the primary even earlier. The House of Representatives would like April 2; the state Senate would prefer March 19.
But the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania said in a letter to lawmakers and the governor that it just won’t work.
“While we thank the General Assembly and the administration for their thoughtful discussions around this matter, at this date counties can no longer guarantee there will be sufficient time to make the changes necessary to assure a primary on a different date would be successful,” Executive Director Lisa Schaefer wrote.
This is an all-too-common issue with government. Enthusiasm for an idea has to be balanced with the ability to implement it — or the wherewithal to overcome those limitations.
The state might make the decisions about when an election is held and set certain rules about it, but making it happen falls to the counties.
That is not to say Pennsylvania shouldn’t consider moving primaries to early April, March or even earlier. But this isn’t a decision to make in late 2023 for 2024. It’s a decision to think about now regarding 2028. Passover will be April 10-18 that year, so it will only be a factor if the primary is moved up without adequate consideration. The desire to be more active in the presidential nominating process will still be on the table.
Changes need to happen thoughtfully, proactively and with enough time to see them implemented without an undue burden on the counties.
