JCRC THANKS ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR RESOLVING 2012 PRIMARY ELECTION CONFLICT WITH ROSH HASHANAH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2011

Contact:
Aaron Agulnek
(617) 457-8674

(NOVEMBER 14–BOSTON) On November 11^th, 2011 Governor Patrick signed a law to reschedule the 2012 state primary to September 6^th to avoid a conflict with Rosh Hashanah. The primary, set by operation of law, was initially scheduled for Tuesday September 18^th. 

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations (MAJF) worked closely with members of the state legislature, including Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (Brookline/Newton), Senator Barry Finegold (Andover), Representative Lou Kafka (Stoughton/Sharon), and Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin to reschedule the primary.

“If we did not move the primary election from Sept.18, there would be people who would not go to the polls that day because they observe the holiday, and that would be depriving them from their right to vote,” said Senator Barry Finegold. “Moving the date was the right thing to do to ensure everyone is able to take part in the electoral process.”

“We are grateful that Governor Patrick, Secretary Galvin, President Murray, Speaker DeLeo and our friends in the legislature acted swiftly to move the date of next year’s primary so that people of all faiths and beliefs will be able to fully participate in the electoral process,” said Jeremy Burton, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston.

JCRC is available for comment upon request.

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