Elections commissioners hope to reduce the cost of New York's expensive political process by holding only one primary in June.
The November elections aren't that far off but it's still not clear in many races what names will be on the ballot. That will be decided September 13.
The primary vote will be the third primary this year, each carrying taxpayer costs for staff, ballot printing and space rental. The first was for president, the second for congressional races and, the third is for state offices.
Democratic Erie County Elections Commissioner Dennis Ward says the overall cost for boards of elections across the state may be more than $100 million.
"The taxpayers would benefit immensely. As the estimates went this year, the so-called third primary cost us anywhere from $25 to $50 million statewide in addition to dragging the election calendar out for a long time," Ward said.
"I think the taxpayers would benefit immensely by a single primary in June."
Ward says the June primary would also mean there is enough time for ballots for the military overseas, not necessarily true this year.
