Federal judge sets June date for NY primary

ALBANY -- A federal judge has set the fourth Tuesday in June for New York's non-presidential primary election to ensure the state protects the rights of its military and overseas voters. 

In a ruling Friday, U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe says the state could still pick a different date as long as it complies with the federal law. 

He says New York's previous primary date in early September would have kept it from complying with the deadline for sending out ballots 45 days before a federal general election. 

The Election Commissioners Association and state Assembly backed the June date, while the state Senate proposed an August primary. 

Sharpe notes the primary date will be June 26 this year and the general election Nov. 6.