The “electoral ghetto” established for Salonika Jews by the Greek national elections law of 1946 has been abolished in the new legislation just published here.
Under the old law Jews living in Salonika were not permitted to vote in the same polling places as other residents, but were required to go to special polls. The Jewish community has vigorously protested this procedure for the past several years, pointing out that in effect the Jews of Salonika did not enjoy a secret ballot and were ready victims of pressure and discrimination.
At first the government refused to make any changes in the set-up. However, following the threat that the Jews would boycott the national elections which will be held March 5, abolition of the ghetto was included in the election regulations.
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