7 Thoughts For Election Day 2018

Over the past three months, I feel like I’ve been starting and stopping this blog in my head. What did I want to say? How could I convey the magnitude of this election? When should I write it? Could I control my nerves enough to get it all out?

So instead of writing a full-on blog piece about my optimism, polling numbers, the candidates, or other story lines from this election, this is a snapshot of my thoughts and ideas from the last few months as we go into Election Day 2018.

1. VOTE!! Like seriously. If you have the right (not everyone does…see #4 below) you gotta vote.
2. I’m so proud of the work that the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Hillel International have done to mobilize thousands of Jews to vote and get others out to vote as well. Whether it’s been strategy meetings on campus, webinars with hundreds of people, or huge events in communities, I’m grateful to work for an organization that cares about people expressing themselves through voting.
3. In the future, this election, along with 2016 and 2020, will be seen as one of the most important and consequential in modern United States history. The core tenants of our democracy are truly at stake right now, and some of the biggest issues – racial justice, LGBTQIA+ protections, women’s rights, immigration, and more. We have a real opportunity to vote for candidates that will work for justice, compassion, and progress in this country. This is a big election – don’t miss out.
4. I’m grateful that I was able to contribute to Second Chances Florida, a campaign to re-enfranchise about 1.5 million Floridians who can not vote because of a previous felony conviction, even after finishing all parts of their sentencing. This ballot measure is a desperately needed reform to Florida’s criminal justice system and I’m hopeful that it will pass. If you’re in Florida, vote YES on Amendment 4!
5. Some people say, “It doesn’t matter who you vote for, as long as you vote”. This is one of the most ridiculous phrases to say this time of year. Of course it matters who you vote for. Now, we can’t always convince others to vote a certain way, and I know people say this phrase to avoid arguments. But it’s important that people know that how they vote has enormous consequences for all of us.
6. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the brave and inspiring candidates that decided to run for office in 2018. Of course I’m thinking about the likes of Andrew Gillum, Stacey Abrams, and Beto O’Rourke, but also the many incredible people who just wanted to make a difference in their community. Your stories are inspiring, you are inspiring, and no matter what happens, I’m grateful for everything you’ve brought to this election.
7. Parkland and Pittsburgh. When I walk into the voting booth, I’ll be holding both of these communities and the people who were killed there close to my heart. This election is our chance to elect people who will fight gun violence and anti-Semitism, and create a better, safer country for everyone.

That’s it for now. I’m hoping this election day is one of progress and justice for this country. But we’ve got to vote. Because when we all vote, we win.