Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Pennsylvania’s Primary Remains on First Day of Passover. How Can Observant Jews Still Vote?
Four states originally had primaries scheduled for April 23, the first full day of Passover. But Delaware, Rhode Island and Maryland all moved their elections to different dates.
Pennsylvania is the only state with a primary still scheduled then.
Going into the fall legislative session in Harrisburg, there was optimism that the General Assembly would move the date.
"I'm cautiously optimistic," said Jewish Rep. Jared Solomon, who represents the 202nd District in Northeast Philadelphia.
"I would guess that it's something we'll address," added Jewish Rep. Ben Waxman of District 182 in Center City.
Except it wasn't something they addressed.
Democrats in the House tried to add election reforms such as increasing the amount of canvassing days for political candidates. Republicans in the Senate just tried to pass a bill that would have changed the date. Pennsylvania's Jewish governor, Democrat Josh Shapiro, supported moving the primary but did not take a position on either side's proposals.
"We had a deal on Monday, and then the deal fell apart," said Jewish Rep. Abigail Salisbury, who represents the Pittsburgh-based 34th District, in November.
Now, halachically observant Jews will not be able to go to the polls on election day. But if you are one, you can still vote.
Comments:
Post a Comment