The American Jewish Congress today urged the New York City Board of Elections to extend the voters registration period, in view of the fact that the four days set by the State Legislature coincided with the last days of the Succot holidays and the Sabbath.
New York State voters who have not registered in previous years in their districts must do so during the designated period in order to be able to vote in the November elections.
This year’s registration period consists of the evenings of October 12, 13 and 14 and the entire day of October 15. The first two evenings are the holiday of Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, while the October 14 and 15 registration hours occur on Friday evening and Saturday, when observant Jews are not permitted to write.
Thomas Mallee, one of New York’s four election commissioners, said the same situation occurred in 1957. when the problem was resolved by adding an extra day for registration. The American Jewish Congress urged that “special provision be made for observant Jews who do not wish to violate their religious conscience by participating in a secular act on a religious holiday. “
The New York Board of Rabbis also asked for “some provisions that would permit observant Jews to have the full opportunity to exercise their right of franchise.”
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