Throughout history, Jews have unfortunately been denied rights, including the most fundamental — like voting — too often. Now that we have that right, we take it rather seriously. Voting might not be a mitzva, but it’s certainly any good Jew’s obligation in a democratic society. As Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, the preeminent posek (legal authority) for American Jewry in the 20th Century put it, voting is an act of hakaras hatov — or gratitude — to this just government, and it is incumbent on every observant Jew to exercise that right.

Currently the Iowa caucuses are scheduled for Saturday, January 23, thus disenfranchising anyone who observes Shabbos. Last week, a plethora of Jewish organizations, including the Orthodox Union, stand together in asking that those who are Sabbath observant (which includes Jews as well as Seventh Day Adventists) be allowed to vote in Iowa’s 2010 caucuses.

The following is the letter — to both the Iowa Democrats and the GOP — in its entirety:

Michael Kiernan
Chair, Iowa Democratic Party
5661 Fleur Drive Des Moines, IA 50321

Matt Strawn
Chair, Iowa Republican Party
621 E 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Dear Mr. Kiernan and Mr. Strawn:

A central premise of American politics is the enfranchisement of every citizen. The Jewish community has actively campaigned for fair and equal representation for the voices of majority and minorities alike, the protection of civil rights of all people and unencumbered access for all to the processes that choose our elected leaders. Our nation has thrived because of the tremendous opportunities afforded to people from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and other backgrounds. For this reason, we are distressed to learn that the Democratic and Republican parties of Iowa have decided to hold their 2010 caucuses on a Saturday.

The decision to move the Iowa political party caucuses to a Saturday effectively disenfranchises members of the Jewish community. Jews who observe the Sabbath could not work on caucus day to support their candidates of choice. Worse, since caucuses do not allow for absentee voting, there would be essentially no opportunity to participate in this important process. This is utterly inconsistent with the values of our pluralistic democracy.

Voting and participation in the electoral process is a cornerstone of any democracy. It is the highest civic duty most people ever undertake. Saturday caucuses will force members of the Iowa Jewish community to choose between their faith and their civic duties.

Given the important role Iowa has in our nation’s electoral contests and their leadership position in serving as a role model to other states, we respectfully ask and hope the Democratic and Republican parties to reverse this ill-considered this move.

Sincerely,

American Jewish Committee
American Jewish Congress
Anti-Defamation League
B’nai B’rith International
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Hadassah: The Women’s Zionist Organization of America
ORT America
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Labor Committee
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
Jewish War Veterans
National Council of Jewish Women
National Jewish Democratic Council
Rabbinical Assembly
Republican Jewish Coalition
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Union of Reform Judaism

cc: Democratic National Committee
Republican National Committee

(YWN Desk – NYC)