Suit has been filed in federal court against the Davidson County, Tennessee, Election Commission challenging its decision to hold the runoff election for mayor of Nashville and other positions this year on Sept. 13. That day is the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana. The Tennessean reported yesterday that officials decided not to reschedule the election-- called for on that date by Nashville's city charter-- after determining that Jewish voters could vote early or by absentee ballot. However, plaintiff Elinor J. Gregor, says that the scheduling violates her free exercise and free speech rights. Election officials plan to look at their decision again next Monday.
UPDATE: On Monday, April 16, the Davidson County Election Commission decided to move this fall's runoff election to Tuesday, Sept. 11, instead of the originally scheduled date that coincided with Rosh Hashanah. (Tennessean.com).
