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October 25, 2024

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH CANVASSING


I hate canvassing.


Every time I head out, I need to remind myself why it’s important. There's always that flood of uncertainties as I approach the unknown of each door. Yet, deep down, I know canvassing is one of the most meaningful things we can do. It's where all the values we stand for, the things we talk about and believe in, are brought to life in a way that truly matters.


The first knock is always the hardest. Is this the right house? Will they be kind? Will I remember everything I need to say? I knock, then take a step back, tightly gripping the literature.


Sometimes, there’s this quiet relief when no one answers. But then someone does open the door, smiles, and proudly says they are voting EARLY for Kamala. Suddenly, I am energized and eager to approach the next house on my list.


I’ve knocked on many doors in my years of canvassing —ones with beautifully ornate handles, others with windows boarded up, and some barely hanging on their hinges. I’ve canvassed under the relentless Vegas sun and trudged through snowbanks in Iowa’s farmland. I feel like the voting traveling preacher, carrying the message of democracy wherever I go.


The moments that truly stick with me are the ones I’ve shared with my family. Walking through neighborhoods with my niece in Florida and my son in Iowa; neither was old enough to vote at that time. Those days were about more than just getting out the vote. It was about showing them a side of America far beyond what they knew and encouraging them to be part of something bigger than themselves.


There are tough moments, too. Doors get slammed. People are rude. But then, there are the surprises—like the person who handed me an umbrella during a downpour. Then there was the woman who chased me down the street just to give me her vile article on late-term abortions and politely thanked me for being involved in the process. I still think about the woman who barely cracked her door open, with her young children gathered around her, TV blaring, whispering that she would try and vote. 


Last weekend, I talked with an undecided voter who is a high school social studies teacher. Our conversation wasn’t just about politics or persuasion but about connecting and listening. I’m pretty sure he’ll vote for Kamala.


For him and for all the others I’ve spoken to along the way, it’s never been only about the vote. It’s about showing up. It’s about saying, "I care,” and that you are important to our future and democracy.


I love canvassing.


Join JAC for canvassing in Wisconsin on Sunday, October 27th, Saturday, November 2nd, and Sunday, November 3rd. Sign up here or email info@jacpac.org for more information.

If you don’t live in the Chicago area, click here for canvassing opportunities near you. 

JAC's Executive Director, Hollis Wein, getting out the vote with her niece Miriam and son Eli

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JAC AROUND TOWN

JAC Members Getting Out The Vote in Wisconsin, Michigan, & Nevada

JAC's Marisa Matarazzo with Sen. Alex Padilla (CA)

Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-2), Anne Oppenheimer, Hollis Wein, and NM Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Marcia Balonick with MN Governor Tim Walz

Amanda Berman of the Zioness Action Fund, Oren Jacobson of Project Shema and Men4Choice, and JAC Board Member Stacey Sherr Michelon. Click here for the recording of their Zoom: The Election of Our Lifetimes, What Jewish Voters Need to Know Before Casting Their Vote.

JAC in Palm Springs, CA

Susan Berk, Rob Razowsky, CA-41 Candidate Will Rollins, and Lynn Razowsky

CA-41 Candidate Will Rollins addressing a group of members and prospective members

Susan Berk, CA-41 Candidate Will Rollins with event hosts Staci Munic and Barbara Munic

JAC in Scarsdale, NY

Allison Shaewitz, Lauren Grossberg, and Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY)

Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) with event hosts Jamie and Lisa Tessler

NY-16 Candidate George Latimer

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IN THE NEWS

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ISRAEL


BDS & ANTISEMITISM


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CHOICE


SEPARATION


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GUN VIOLENCE


CLIMATE & COURTS


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POLITICAL BYTE

FYI


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KAMALA'S KORNER


THE LAST WORD

“Just because Donald Trump acts goofy doesn’t mean his presidency wouldn’t be dangerous.”


Former President Barack Obama

SEE WHO JAC'S SUPPORTING

Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC) is a pro-Israel PAC with a domestic agenda. We support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocate for reproductive health and the separation of religion and state and incorporate other issues of importance to the Jewish community, including gun violence prevention and climate change. In addition to providing financial support for U.S. Senate and House campaigns, JACPAC educates our membership with outreach events designed to inform and activate their participation in the political process.

Paid for by Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions or gifts are not tax deductible. Contributions may total up to $5000 per individual. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle. Corporate contributions and contributions from non-US citizens who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence are prohibited. All contributions by individuals must be made from personal funds and may not be reimbursed or paid by another person.

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