Cleveland Heights, OH – Orthodox Jews upset about going into a Christian church hall to vote are relieved after learning the Board of Elections moved their polling place to a public building.
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The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections officially approved moving the polling place from the church hall to City Hall, ending a weeklong battle that raised charges of anti-Semitism and calls for Director Michael Vu’s resignation, as was reported on VOS IZ NEIAS.
“We’re exceptionally happy and gratified they’re doing the right thing,” said Rabbi Sruly Wolf.
Wolf was among those who protested when the elections board last month announced it was moving their neighborhood polling place from a public school building to the Euclid Avenue Christian Church on Mayfield Road. The polling place served two precincts, both heavily populated by Orthodox Jews.
Wolf and others complained to Mayor Ed Kelley, saying the move would keep hundreds of Orthodox Jews from voting because they are uncomfortable going into places of worship other than their own. Wolf and Kelley said the move smacked of anti-Semitism. Kelley launched an attack on Vu, repeatedly calling for his resignation, though Vu did not back down. Vu was adamant about not making a change. But Kelley, with the backing of City Council, threatened a lawsuit.
But after Vu was consulting with the Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office, agreed to the City Hall site, one of three that Kelley suggested.