Elections and Voter Information from the Office of the CA Secretary of State

According to the Torah, Moses brought the world democracy, but it required a little cajoling from his father-in-law. In Exodus, Moses’ father-in-law, Yitro, we see Moses struggling to administer the affairs of leadership of the Israelites. Yitro says: “This thing you are doing is not right, for you will wear yourself out.” Yitro advises Moses to appoint judges and magistrates to share the burden. Moses heeds the advice and appoints the assistants.

When the story is retold in Deuteronomy, Moses tells of being overburdened by the task of managing the Israelites—Yitro’s name doesn’t even appear— but in this telling Moses says that he asked the Israelites to choose their own leaders and only affirmed them after they agreed to his plan. Clearly, Deuteronomy’s version elevates the people’s role in choosing their own leaders. In a sense, it describes the Torah’s first revolutionary glimmerings of a democratic process.

So, as the world’s first bearers of democracy, we have inherited a profound responsibility to strengthen the one in which we live right now. It is a reminder of our civic duty as Americans and it is an expression of our people’s legacy first attributed to Moses in our ancient Torah.

— Rabbi Ron Stern

Voting During COVID: 

Given the different environment we are in due to COVID, voting may look a little different for you this year. Here are some helpful resources to make sure you can vote, safely.

      • Find Your Vote Center or Ballot Box (Official)
      • Guidance for Voters, Election Officials, and Election Workers
        • Safety guidance from LA County Department of Public Health
      • HealthyVoting.org
        • A non-partisan collaboration between major public health and election administration experts, is offering to ship print copies of healthy voting state-specific pocket guides and posters to anyone in our network free of charge. These are non-partisan state-specific materials that you can use to promote safe voting and participation in the electoral process and show voters how to cast their ballot in a safe and healthy way this year – whether by mail or in person.
      • VoteSAFE Public Health website
        • A coalition of 10 national public health organizations working to assure all Americans have the opportunity to safely vote in the 2020 election and prevent transmission of COVID-19.

Poll Place Volunteering
This year, polling places may experience shorthandedness of volunteers. Last spring, for example, Wisconsin’s polling places were understaffed during their primary, leading to long lines and delays. Many locations could not open.

Young adults and college students can help by taking the day off to volunteer to staff precincts.

Become a Poll Worker (CA, statewide)

Become a Poll Worker (Los Angeles County)

Learn About Ballot Measures

Though all eyes are on the presidential election, there are a number of very important state ballot measures coming up for a vote that require our informed decision making. They are complicated and can potentially reshape some of our state’s vital policies. As one of the founding congregations of the Religious Action Center of California (RAC-CA)—the Reform movement’s statewide tikkun olam lobbying organization—the Wise Tikkun Olam Committee is committed to educating our community and ensuring widespread participation in the elections.

You can view the entire list here.

The Los Angeles Times also has an analysis here.

Here are a few of significant importance. Please note that their listing here does not indicate endorsement by either the RAC or Wise. They are provided for your information only.

Proposition 14: Authorizes bonds for continued funding of stem cell research.
Proposition 15: Changes the tax assessment on commercial properties and seeks more money for schools and local government services.
Proposition 20: Places limits on sentencing reductions for certain crimes.
Proposition 21: Seeks statewide rent control on multi-unit housing more than 15 years old.
Proposition 24: Establishes new consumer privacy rules.
Proposition 25: Seeks voter consent to abolish cash bail and give judges more discretion for suspect releases prior to trial.

This is only a partial list, but as you can see, the scope is far reaching and will reshape some core policies affecting the quality of life for all Californians. For this reason alone, it is vital that all eligible voters express their opinions by voting after gaining an understanding of the initiatives.