Thursday, October 8, 2020 / 20 Tishrei 5781
Shalom.

We are at the brink of a historic moment for our country and the world. Beth Emet has a proud tradition of being involved in our community and engaged in the society that surrounds us. From our Soup Kitchen and coat drives to marching in demonstrations and advocacy work, our synagogue’s values embrace the importance of civic engagement. Part of that civic engagement includes voting; each of our voices makes a difference.

Rabbi Yitzhak of the Babylonian Talmud taught that "A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted" (Berachot 55a). The Reform Jewish Movement’s 2020 Civic Engagement Campaign encourages all U.S. citizens to exercise their right to vote. If you have not already done so, we urge you to make a voting plan.

Unfortunately, this election year presents new challenges, and it’s important to be prepared and act sooner rather than later to ensure your vote is counted. Numerous research studies indicate that you are most likely to vote when you take the time to develop a voting plan. We’ve collected some tips and tricks to help you make your voting plan this year so you can confidently cast your vote and make your voice heard.

For those who live in Cook County, many of your questions can be answered on Karen Yarbrough's (Cook County Clerk) web site. We have broken it down into steps with specific links:

Step One: Confirm that you are registered to vote - here is where you can find out.
 
Know someone who is not registered?  They can register HERE 
  • On-line registration ends October 18.
  • After that date, you can register at your county's board of elections or at your polling place. Illinois law allows same day registration.

Step Two: Decide on how you prefer to vote.  
BY MAIL
If you voted in the 2018 election or the March 2019 primary, you should have received a Vote by Mail application by mail. 
If you need an application you can APPLY ON LINE  for a vote by mail ballot.   
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 29.
Once you receive your ballot, you can:
  • Complete it and mail it. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 3) and received within 14 days after the election
  • Complete it and drop it in a secure drop box. In Chicago these drop boxes will be at every early voting site beginning October 14. In suburban Cook County most drop boxes are available October 19. Check to see where the closest mail ballot drop box location is to you.
  • In Evanston there will be a drop box in front of the Civic Center
  • In Niles there will be a drop box at the Village Hall
  • In Skokie there will be a drop box at Skokie Courthouse (October 7)
  • In Skokie there will be a drop box at Oakton Community College 
  • In Wilmette there will be a drop box at Centennial Ice Rinks
  • Hold on to it and vote in person. If you decide you want to vote in person, take your mail in ballot to your POLLING PLACE. Hand it in and request an in person ballot.
IN PERSON
Limited early in-person voting begins October 1st. Expanded early voting begins October 19th. To find your early voting site click


Election Day (November 3). Find your polling place HERE.
  • Check the day before to make sure your polling place has not changed.         
  • Polls open at 6:00 am. 
  • Remember to wear a mask and social distance.
Step Three: Learn what is on the ballot.  
This year in addition to voting for president, a US senator, a Congressional representative, state senators and representatives, the cook county state’s attorney, water reclamation district commissioners, and a large number of judges, we also have the chance to vote on an amendment to the Illinois constitution about how we are taxed.  
Review a copy of the ballot by clicking HERE

Step Four: Friends don’t let friends not vote.  
Share your plan with one or two others and ask them to make a plan too.  
Let Beth Emet know you are doing your part to make Beth Emet a 100% voting congregation. Sign this Commitment Card .

Questions: If you still have questions, these websites may help:
State of Illinois https://www.elections.il.gov/

Want a personal response to your question? Send any questions you have to BethEmetVotes@gmail.com and a member of the Beth Emet Civic Engagement Team will answer.