We Do Not Endorse Political Candidates. But We Wholeheartedly and 100% Endorse Voting

I pride myself on writing an original Shabbat message to our synagogue family and community each week. But occasionally I come across a message from our broader Jewish community that I believe is important to share. This is one of those weeks. It is about our responsibility to vote in the upcoming elections.

As a matter of federal law, and synagogue policy, the JCCP/CBT does not endorse political candidates. But we wholeheartedly and 100% endorse voting.

I hope you will read the following message from our Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, encouraging every eligible member of our community to vote.

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On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, New Jerseyans will cast ballots in federal, county, municipal, school board, and other local elections.

Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey encourages every eligible member of our community to make their voice heard by voting.

Why Your Vote Matters — Even When the Outcome Seems Certain

It can be tempting to sit out an election when you believe a particular candidate is certain to win or lose. But whether an election is competitive is not the only reason to vote.

Your ballot is secret. Your participation is not.

Elected officials, candidates, and campaigns pay attention to who votes and which communities consistently turn out for elections. Communities that demonstrate, year after year, that they are engaged and that they vote are communities whose concerns elected officials have an incentive to hear and understand.

That matters to the Jewish community.

When we advocate on issues affecting our community—whether combating antisemitism, strengthening security for religious institutions, supporting Israel, or addressing other community priorities—we want our elected officials to know that the people raising those concerns are active and engaged participants in our democracy.

So even if you believe the outcome of a particular race is already clear, please vote. Consistent participation sends a powerful message: our community shows up, our community participates, and our community expects its voice to be heard.

Make a Plan to Vote

New Jersey voters can vote early in person, by mail, or at the polls on Election Day. Keep these important dates in mind:

  • October 13: Deadline to register to vote
  • October 24–November 1: Early in-person voting
  • October 27: Deadline to apply to receive a vote-by-mail ballot by mail
  • November 3: Election Day — polls open 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Before you vote, confirm your registration, review your sample ballot, and decide whether you will vote early, by mail, or on Election Day.

For official information about voter registration, vote-by-mail, early voting locations, polling places, sample ballots, and other election information, visit Vote.NJ.Gov.

Our democracy is strongest when we participate. Our community’s voice is strongest when we participate consistently.

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