OK, so you aren’t thrilled by the choices in Tuesday’s election. You’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you should stay away from the polls.
For generations, those who were denied the right to vote fought until they were included. In many countries, segments of the population — sometimes the entire population — are not allowed to choose their leaders.
In the Middle East, for instance, it’s the tradition of free elections that distinguishes Israel from its neighbors — and it’s a tradition that we most value as Americans.
How then can so many of us be apathetic on Election Day? We complain about the choice of candidates, but it’s the voters who picked those candidates in primary elections.
Although there are lackluster candidates in the gubernatorial race, there are major political and philosophical differences between the two, although they may not be obvious in the question-and-answer article appearing in this paper. That’s why it is important to read between the lines and study the issues.
While the candidates don’t seem to part on issues of fundamental concern to Jewish voters — including anti-Semitism and Israel’s security — they diverge along classic liberal vs. conservative lines on social issues such as abortion and gay rights, and economic policies.
Certainly we would like to elect charismatic leaders. But this year our choice is based on the more important question of who will do what is best for the people of California.
So why should a Jewish newspaper beat the “get out to vote” drum? Simply because we want politicians to see the Jewish vote as important in every election.
Unfortunately there has been a drop in the number of Jews voting, similar to the drop in the number of other voters. And this drop is particularly apparent in midterm elections, when initiatives that have a considerable local and statewide impact are on the ballot.
If the Jewish community is to remain strong in America and be a force to be reckoned with locally, in the state Capitol and in the halls of Congress, we must cast our ballots.
Likewise, it is important that Jews get involved in politics and run for public office.
In the meantime, your vote counts. And we need to be counted as voters this Tuesday. See you at the polls.