Religious Objections Raised To Possible Saturday Referendum On Scottish Independence

The Scottish government is planning to hold a referendum in Fall 2014 on Scottish independence from the United Kingdom. (Background).  In response to a Consultation Paper issued by the Scottish government that raises the possibility of holding the referendum on Saturday, the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities plans to say that holding the referendum on Saturday will disadvantage observant Jews.  According to the Press Association yesterday, the draft response by the Jewish organization says that voting by mail is not an adequate alternative since it would require voting before the end of the campaign. The organization is also concerned about pressure on Jews to work at the polls on Saturday.  The Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office that coordinates responses from Christian churches also warns that a Saturday primary could create problems because it might involve counting of votes on Sunday.