PENNSYLVANIA — In response to concerns from Jewish constituents, State Senator Jay Costa is advocating for a change in the date of Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election. The current scheduled date, April 23, 2024, coincides with Passover, raising potential issues of disenfranchisement for Jewish voters, as well as logistical challenges regarding poll workers and polling places.
The PA Senate Democratic Caucus has been vocal about the need to find a new date for the 2024 primary. They aim to balance the need for Pennsylvania’s voters to have a significant say in presidential candidates while avoiding conflicts with the Jewish calendar. A proposed alternative is April 16, 2024, which does not overlap with any major religious holidays.
“I cannot stand by as Jewish people are forced to choose between observing their faith and making their voices heard in primary elections,” said Senator Costa. He urged the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania to reconsider their opposition to changing the date, emphasizing the importance of affirming that Jewish voices are critical in Pennsylvania, especially in the wake of recent events affecting the Jewish and Israeli communities.
Echoing Senator Costa’s sentiments, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti, Democratic Chair of the State Government Committee, highlighted the need for urgency in addressing this issue. “Keeping this date for the primary is disrespectful to the entire Jewish community in Pennsylvania,” she stated, further stressing the importance of Jewish voters and poll workers having the space to observe this crucial holiday without civic duties interfering with their observances.
The Jewish Legislative Caucus, co-chaired by Representative Dan Frankel and State Senator Judy Schwank, expressed their disappointment over the current scheduling of the primary election on Passover.
Senate Bill 224, which proposes moving the date of Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election, is currently under review in the Senate Rules Committee. If passed, this bill would amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to provide for a new general primary date and a revised school district budget timeline for 2024.
The discussions surrounding the 2024 primary date illustrate the ongoing commitment of Pennsylvania’s legislators to ensure fair and inclusive voting practices in the state. As these conversations continue, the importance of accommodating religious observances in the electoral process remains a key focus.
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