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Social Action Shabbat Will Focus on Voting Rights

08/02/2020 09:53:02 PM

Aug2

At the Social Action Shabbat on August 28, we will welcome Ryeshia Farmer, coordinator of the “Rights for All” campaign of the ACLU of Wisconsin. Ms. Farmer will talk about the multitude of issues swirling around voting rights, including mail-in ballots, keeping polling places open, voter ID, felon disenfranchisement, disability access, voter roll purges, and more. The TBE Civic Engagement Action Team will offer concrete actions we can take to protect and expand the right to vote for every American.

Throughout the fall, the TBE Civic Engagement Action Team will be working on these issues. At the racial justice conversations in July, many members expressed an interest supporting the efforts of the African American community to increase voter engagement and combat voter suppression. Join us on August 28 on Facebook Live as we learn what we can do to make voting available for all citizens. If you’d like to get involved with our Civic Engagement Action Team, please contact Aleeza Hoffert.

In response to the latest pandemic relief bill, national Jewish organizations urged all U.S. senators to include $3.6 billion in emergency federal funding to help states increase ballot access, which is critical to holding the November 2020 elections fairly and safely during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. The letter stated:

“The right and ability to have a political voice has been crucial to the journey of Jews in this country, and we have always worked to ensure that every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot and have it counted. We are gravely concerned about states’ ability to ensure safe, fair, and accessible elections in the midst of this global pandemic, which is what prompts us to join together to urge the Senate to provide states with the resources they need to execute safe and effective elections.”

At the request of the Social Action Committee, Temple Beth El joined Jewish organizations and synagogues around the country in signing this letter.

March 29, 2024 19 Adar II 5784