Election Day Sukkot Holiday Poses Problem In Belgium

In Belgium, thousands of Orthodox Jews face a problem as the country's October 8 elections approach. Election day coincides with one of the days of the Jewish festival of Sukkot. The halachic ban on writing or using electrical equipment on the holiday will make it impossible for observant Jews to vote. Authorities have rejected a request from the country's Forum of Jewish Organizations to permit early voting on Friday, October 6. Voting is mandatory in Belgium. Individuals who do not go to the polls can face a fine, unless they have an authorized exemption. However there are no provisions for religious exemptions. Reporting on the issue, Vrtnieuws says that the only option is for Belgian Jews to vote by proxy. [Thanks to Steven H. Sholk for the information.]