D.C. Voting Schedule Isn't Kosher: Rabbi

Normal 0 A local rabbi is furious that the District’s election board is holding an election he says precludes Jewish people from participating.

According to The Washington Post, Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, leader of Ohev Shalom – The National Synagogue, is protesting the election date of an at-large D.C. Council member and State Board of Education members in wards 4 and 8.

The vote is scheduled for April 26, which happens to be the last day of Passover. Those who observe the holy day wouldn’t be able to participate until 8:40 p.m.

Polls are set to close at 8.

Herzfeld is suing the elections board, and has asked a federal judge to change the date of the election or extend it, The Post reported.

The board responded by offering early voting on April 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., but Herzfeld’s suit dismissed those concessions saying it “requires more of observant Jewish voters … than of other voters.”

Elections officials said they have no choice but to hold it on Passover, The Post reported. District law requires a special election to be held on the first Tuesday at least 114 days after a vacancy is certified – which happens to be April 26.

Alysoun McLaughlin, a board spokeswoman, said extending voting hours would create major logistical problems trying to keep all 142 polling places open, The Post reported.

A hearing is set for noon on Friday before a U.S. District Court judge.

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