RI law (§17-12.1-1) ordinarily requires the presidential preference primary election to be held on the fourth Tuesday in April of each presidential election year, but in 2024 that would fall on the first day of the Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach), the day immediately following the Seder held the prior sunset. An eight-day holiday in the diaspora, the first two and last two days are observed by religious Jews following Sabbath-like practices that would interfere with voting, such as avoiding travel by vehicle, working, using electricity or fire, and spending money. Three other states (Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania) share the same conflict.
The RI General Assembly has adopted a one-time change to the primary election from April 23 to April 2, three weeks earlier, to accommodate the holiday. The bills principally sponsored in the Senate (S.1010) by Sen. Samuel D. Zurier (D-3) and in the House (H.6309) by Rep. Rebecca Kislak (D-4) were passed on Jun 12 and Jun 8, respectively, and sent to the governor who is expect to sign them into law.
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