Alabama Sept. 18 Referendum Vote Conflicts with Rosh Hashanah

On Sept. 18, Alabamians will go to the polls – albeit in very small numbers – to weigh in on a referendum on whether to allow the Legislature to take over $400 million in principal from the Alabama Trust Fund over the next three years.

On Sept. 18, many Alabama Jews will be observing the second day of Rosh Hashanah, when all types of work are prohibited until sundown, which in this case will be well after the polls close at 7 p.m.

Those who are observant but wish to weigh in on the vote may cast an absentee ballot. One may either visit the local Absentee Election Manager, which is usually the Circuit Clerk at the county courthouse, or request a ballot by mail using a form available online. One must provide name, residential address, a request for the Sept. 18 ballot and the reason why, address where the ballot should be mailed and the voter’s signature.

The application can be done in person or by mail, and is due no later than Sept. 13.

Absentee ballots must be notarized or signed by two witnesses, and must be turned in to the Absentee Manager’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 17 — which is also Rosh Hashanah — or postmarked no later than Sept. 17 and arrive at the office by Sept. 18 at noon.

Complete instructions are available on the state’s website.