The Canadian Jewish Congress has been in touch with the Prime Minister’s Office to point-out that the date being most-often mentioned for a federal election (October 14th) falls on the Yom Tov of Sukkos.
The CJC’s tells CJAD news, it’s always possible for observant Jews to vote in advance polls, but notes the Jewish community historically has played an active role in the democratic process, which they wouldn’t be able to do should the election fall on a holy-day.
He says observant Jews wouldn’t be able to work for the candidates, volunteer at polling stations or chauffeur voters to polling stations on election day.
Dr Goldbloom says he’s confident that the government will want to respect those who have a significant religious commitment on a particular day, he says the government usually is sensitive to such matters.
(Source: CJAD)
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4 Responses
What is CJAD news?
Most popular radio station in Montreal. The host for one of its daily morning talk shows is a very talented, and entertaining (Lubavitcher) yid, who, just over the past few years, became frum.
I guess its good the USA designated the first Tuesday after the frst Monday of November as Election Day. Interesting to note, as for the day of the week chosen, Sunday was ruled out because it was the “Sabbath.” An election on Monday might require travel on Sunday, and so was also ruled out. Tuesday had no problem.
Best of all for the Yehudim, it was after the Yomim Norayim!
Canadian elections work differently. Our government can call an election any time. If they don’t there is an election after 4 years.
Right now we have a minority government so our Prime Minister feels that items won’t get passed and the government can’t be productive.
There is a process that is necessary in order to call an election. Our Prime Minister also wants the election before some other smaller elections that are already scheduled in October. (This is for political reasons). There also must be a certain amount of time from calling the election to the set election date.
Although I agree that in general, elections shouldn’t be on Yom Tov, the Prime Minister doesn’t have a lot of days to choose from – especially in October. (The Monday, is a legal holiday here, so it can’t be Erev Yom Tov). Although it may be difficult for us frum Jews to pre-vote and we won’t be able to help on election day, the PM doesn’t have many options. His choice was not meant to leave out the Jews or to consider us unimportant – He has been very good to us and has been a wonderful friend of Israel. Sometimes things like this can’t be prevented.