Massachusetts election officials are advising communities to reschedule preliminary elections to avoid conflicts with two Jewish holy days.
Several cities in Massachusetts have preliminary elections scheduled on either Sept. 15th, or Sept. 22nd. Both dates conflict with Jewish religious observances.
The Springfield City Council is holding a special meeting Monday to consider moving the preliminary to Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day. City Councilor Bud Williams fears that date will result in a low voter turnout.
" I just want to make sure if we change the date we don't put challengers at an unfair disadvantage," said Williams.
Springfield’s preliminary election has six candidates running for mayor. The top two vote-getters advance to the November election ballot.
