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Bill to Shift Ohio’s 2016 Primary Cleared in Senate Vote
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio’s 2016 presidential primary will be pushed back a week under a bill that’s cleared the swing state’s Legislature and headed toward Republican Gov. John Kasich’s expected approval.
The election is currently set for March 8, the first Tuesday after the first Monday of the month. The Senate voted 23-10 along party lines Wednesday on legislation that would move the 2016 primary to March 15.
Republicans say the date change follows Republican National Committee rules designed to discourage states from holding primaries too early to boost their influence in the party’s nominating process.
Democratic Sen. Edna Brown said voters will be confused and potentially discouraged by the switch. The party also argues only a primary on May 3 or later would allow both parties to maximize their delegates.