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County officials might be focused on the 2023 election cycle but a bill put forth in the General Assembly is already looking ahead to 2024.
State Senator Shariff Street and Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Jared Solomon say they plan to introduce legislation in both houses of the General Assembly that would move Pennsylvania's 2024 presidential primary up one month.
According to a legislative memo, the proposal would move the primary up one month to the third Tuesday in March, or March 19, 2024.
"Pennsylvania will be a pivotal battleground state in 2024 and having the primary election well after many other states already have theirs makes our commonwealth one of the last states in the nation to weigh in despite being a crucial swing state," Kenyatta said in a statement.
"With an earlier primary, Pennsylvania voters will represent the 'keystone' needed for each candidate to win their party's nomination in 2024 and beyond."
According to the memo, Pennsylvania's primary will currently be held on the fourth Tuesday in April.
"Our voters should have more influence in selecting the most qualified presidential nominee for each party," the legislators conclude. "This will increase Pennsylvania's importance in future presidential primary elections, giving our residents increased national political weight in line with our state's size and importance.
"Pennsylvania has proved time and time again to be a pivotal state when it comes to elections," Solomon said. "This legislation will provide Pennsylvania the political weight it deserves by giving us a voice earlier in the process."