Following Legislators’ Advocacy, School Districts Move Date of 2021 Elections in Recognition of Shavuot

(ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY) -- Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assemblywoman Griffin and Assemblywoman Miller applauded the decisions of the Lawrence and Hewlett-Woodmere School Districts to change the date of their scheduled 2021 elections for school budgets and school board members in recognition of the holiday of Shavuot. 

These decisions come after local state officials passed state legislation permitting districts to change their elections to May 11, 2011 to accommodate religious observance of the holiday. As each of these districts represents large Jewish populations, lawfully moving the date of the election was critical to ensure that all voters have equal access to the polls. 

“Rescheduling these elections was the right move for these districts to make to ensure that all community members are able to make their voices heard,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “The new date removes the barrier for those who would have been forced to choose between their observation of the holiday and their civic responsibility. Thank you to the board leaders and superintendents who swiftly addressed the matter.” 

"Ensuring that all residents have the ability to exercise their vote without sacrificing their religious beliefs is incredibly important to me," said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. "I was proud to work with my colleagues in government to help Long Islanders have a voice in their school elections and I thank the school districts for their cooperation."

“Rescheduling the date of the elections was a necessary and responsible decision in order to ensure that every eligible voter has the ability to exercise their right to vote,” said Assemblywoman Missy Miller. “The prior date, which was set on a holiday, would have prevented observant people from voting.”

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