(JTA) — New York State moved up the launch of petition drives for primary candidates because the original launch date fell during Shavuot.

The legislation signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on May 9 adjusts the start date for petition drives to May 29. It previously was on June 3, when Shavuot begins in the evening.

“Participation is integral to the success of our democracy, and this bill helps to ensure that New Yorkers who celebrate Shavuot are able to take part in this year’s primary elections,” Cuomo said in a statement.

Petitioners will have 42 days to compile the requisite signatures for candidacies.

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