We urge you to get out and vote this Tuesday, November 7th.

Orthodox Jewish communities are recognized as swing voters – and our votes matter even more than others, as we are concentrated in key locales.

We each know that every vote – literally – down to the very last one counts in our elections. We can all list election contests so close they were decided by dozens – maybe at most, hundreds, of votes.

As Jews, we have an achraius, a responsibility, to vote.

Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, wrote in Igros Moshe that “It is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which affords us the freedom we enjoy.”

The OU and the RCA are non-partisan organizations, and we will not tell you whom to vote for – it would be presumptuous to do so in any event.

This year, elections in every corner of the country are contested as never before. From county and local races to gubernatorial contests and to the control of the US Congress, this year is a watershed year for the power of even a single vote.

On the issues that matter to us – the safety of Jews worldwide, the security of Israel, a moral public square, a strong education system and a respect for people and practice of faith, those who represent us in government impact our lives.

When candidates ask for your vote – at transit stops, knocking at your door, or in phone calls, make sure you ask them where they stand on matters of importance to the Orthodox Jewish community. Tell candidates where you stand on issues – make your voice heard!

And make sure those who represent you represent the values and principles you hold dear!

See these articles describing the Jewish vote and the election battlegrounds:

“Pro-Israel political funds in U.S. target friendly incumbents — and challengers”
By Ron Kampeas, JTA, October 3, 2006.

“Future of Orthodox Jewish Vote Has Implications for GOP”
By Jim VandeHei, The Washington Post, Thursday, August 3, 2006.

Election Battlegrounds:

CONNECTICUT
“In Lieberman race, Jewish vote seems to turn on Israel support”
By Ben Harris, JTA, October 30, 2006

FLORIDA
“In South Florida, political parties compete for substantial Jewish vote”
By Larry Luxner, JTA, October 29, 2006.

“Race for Fla. Governor Showing Signs of Tightening”
By Rachel Kapochunas, The Congressional Quarterly, October 27, 2006.

MARYLAND
“Democrats target core constituency”
By S.A. Miller, The Washington Times, October 23, 2006.

“Jewish vote is critical in race to replace Cardin”
By Sumathi Reddy, The Baltimore Sun, August 7, 2006.

“Montgomery’s Jewish voters warm to Ehrlich”
By S.A. MillerThe Washington Times, October 18, 2006.

MISSOURI
“Parties Watch the Show-Me State”
By Lauren Phillips, The Congressional Quarterly, October 15, 2006.

NEW JERSEY
“Bergen County: Battle zone”
By Cynthia Burton, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Monday, October 23, 2006.

PENNSYLVANIA
“Future of Orthodox Jewish Vote Has Implications for GOP”
By Jim VandeHei, The Washington Post, Thursday, August 3, 2006.

“Santorum seeks Jewish vote in his tough Nov. match-up”
By Jonathan Allen, The Hill, June 20, 2006.