Why American Jews Must Vote

A crucial election day is only weeks away. At stake are vital political, economic and moral issues of concern to all Americans, in addition to issues of special concern to American Jews.

As Jews and American citizens we have an obligation to participate in the elections to ensure that our country's policies at the local, state and national levels reflect our commitment to social justice. Every vote counts and plays a defining role in setting policy agendas. It is our civic duty to register promptly, educate ourselves about the critical issues and VOTE!

The Get Out the Vote 2012 Guide attached to this article, provides you with tools, resources and information to help your congregation or community plan a successful voter engagement effort in advance of Election Day.

This guide was designed for use by Jewish congregations and communal organizations wishing to conduct their own voter registration drives. We also encourage participation in voter registration drives in the general community. The same procedures and materials that are suggested here for use in the Jewish community can be adapted for voter registration use in the broader community.

Rabbi Yitzhak taught, "A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted" – Talmud, B’rachot 55a

The Guide was prepared by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism with the support of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation and the larger Jewish community. See: http://rac.org/advocacy/specialresources/vote/