The only reason why they are still in September is because "tradition." It mattered less in a time when political affiliation in New England and in much of the northeast in general was primarily based on religion and ethnicity. The Kennedys were Democrats because they were Irish Catholics. The Chaffees were Republicans because they were English and Episcopalians. In this VERY partisan area when the primary difference of the two parties nationally is on ideology, it makes absolutely no sense.
A more conspiratorial explanation I heard, at least for Massachusetts, is that it discourages students and younger renters (who often move at the beginning of September) from participating. And that while the Democratic supermajority likes having those voters in November, they worry they might be more inclined to support a challenger in the primary.
The only reason why they are still in September is because "tradition." It mattered less in a time when political affiliation in New England and in much of the northeast in general was primarily based on religion and ethnicity. The Kennedys were Democrats because they were Irish Catholics. The Chaffees were Republicans because they were English and Episcopalians. In this VERY partisan area when the primary difference of the two parties nationally is on ideology, it makes absolutely no sense.
A more conspiratorial explanation I heard, at least for Massachusetts, is that it discourages students and younger renters (who often move at the beginning of September) from participating. And that while the Democratic supermajority likes having those voters in November, they worry they might be more inclined to support a challenger in the primary.