With Biden the Presumptive Nominee, NY Cancels Primary

New York - Joe Biden has already cleared the field weeks ago, securing the Democratic presidential nomination. On Monday, New York canceled its June 23 primary, taking an unprecedented step prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The move was made by Democratic members of the state’s Board of Elections. They left in place the other primaries for Congress and state legislative seats. It is expected to depress turnout at the voting booth, reducing crowds to protect both voters and poll workers, many of whom are elderly, and also boosting the chances of insurgents seeking to replace incumbents.

One candidate expected to gain from the move is Councilman Chaim Deutsch, who is primarying Rep. Yvette Clarke for the Democratic nomination in Midwood and Crown Heights.