SAN DIEGO—We can help our fellow Jews by voting in today’s election, whether we are Democrats or Republicans, members of a smaller party or “decline-to-state” voters.
We can help our people just by going to the polls, no matter which candidates or ballot propositions that we, as individuals, vote for.
The sad fact in American elections is that turnout percentages are usually low. That means that any group that votes in high percentages—thereby showing itself particularly loyal to the American electoral process—will have a disproportionate influence on the election’s results.
If there is one thing that politicians do well, it is to count.
Through exit polling, election specialists profile voters by age, race, religion, gender, economic status, and so forth. If it is found that we Jews continued in our historical pattern of high turnouts, the message will go to the politicians loud and clear: the “Jewish vote” can make a big difference, especially in close contests.
Is there really a “Jewish vote”?
In many cases, no. We all know that on many issues we have our philosophical differences with each other.
However, on those issues that affect the Jewish community as a community, we show a high degree of solidarity. We want Israel to be treated fairly by the rest of the nations; we oppose anti-Semitism and related discriminatory behaviors, and we support the freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
These key issues don’t have to be on the ballot for us to vote for them.
We enhance our support for these issues simply by going out and voting.
–-Donald H. Harrison