Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
RESOLUTION ON ELECTION REFORM
Adopted by the Board of
Trustees
June, 2001
Background
The presidential
election of 2000 exposed numerous flaws in the United States’
election procedures. Across the nation, polling mechanisms, the design
of election ballots, voting rules, hours, and allocation of financial
resources vary significantly between states and localities. In many
jurisdictions utilizing older types of voting equipment (such as punch
card machines) ballots are disqualified at significantly higher rates
than in jurisdictions employing more accurate and reliable equipment
(such as optical scan machines). In some states, it has been found
that older machines are concentrated in poorer areas and result in
statistically higher rates of disqualified votes for citizens of
color, who tend to reside in these precincts. Moreover, due to the
lack of legislative prioritization for funding of election
administration, officials in many states and localities do not have
the resources to hire adequate numbers of election workers and conduct
meaningful voter education programs. Finally, in some instances,
efforts to purge ineligible voters from registration rolls (including
those who have died, moved, or been sentenced as felons) have resulted
in the mistaken elimination of fully eligible voters from registration
rolls. Election laws that place high burdens of proof on the voter,
combined with inadequate checks and balances in these systems in place
on Election Day, have made it difficult for such aggrieved voters to
obtain redress.
Many citizens are particularly embittered over the alleged
disenfranchisement of citizens of color during the 2000 presidential
election. While the events in the state of Florida have received the
most attention, the phenomenon is not limited to that state in
particular. Along with the disqualifying of thousands of disputed
ballots, there are unanswered questions about both access to the polls
and the fairness of procedures for counting of votes. Many citizens of
color harbor lingering resentment over this process, and echo the
sentiment of Representative John Lewis (D-GA), who remarked, “I
thought this was behind us.” Allegations of voter disenfranchisement
remind us of the vital importance of our government’s obligations to
vigorously enforce voting rights laws and ensure that all Americans
have free, unfettered access to fulfill their right to a secret
ballot.
Our tradition teaches us that the process of choosing leaders is
not a privilege, but a collective responsibility. The Sage Hillel
taught “Al tifros min hatzibur, Do not separate yourself from
the community” (Pirke Avot 2:5). Rabbi Yitzhak taught that “A ruler
is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted”
(Babylonian Talmud Berachot 55a). This ethic of political
participation has guided Jews to enthusiastically participate in the
American electoral process and is epitomized by our traditionally
strong voter turnout. Jews also have placed a priority on voter
education and registration efforts. In the past election cycle, the
Reform Movement, through the Religious Action Center, took a lead role
in this effort by publishing a “Get Out the Vote Program Plan and
Action Manual,” jointly with the Reconstructionist, Conservative, and
Orthodox Movements. Moreover, given our historical role in the civil
rights struggle, allegations of voter disenfranchisement compel us to
speak out. It is our duty to ensure that all citizens are afforded the
opportunity to vote and have their votes counted.
In order to restore confidence
in the integrity and fairness of our nation’s election process,
government agencies at the federal, state and local levels must work
together to evaluate the various components of our electoral system.
They should take any necessary and appropriate steps to strengthen
and/or change policy at the federal, state and local levels to ensure
that all persons wishing to vote are given a meaningful opportunity to
do so, and all votes determined to be valid in accordance with
established fair standards are counted accordingly. Congress and other
government agencies should assess approaches that aim to ensure
fairness with regard to casting and counting of votes, including, but
not limited to, the implementation of a uniform nationwide poll
closing time and uniform standards for counting disputed ballots
within individual states. Government agencies at the federal, state
and local levels should also evaluate and undertake measures aimed at
expanding voter registration, increasing voter participation and
ensuring equal access to the polls for all Americans. Such measures
could include, but are not limited to, weekend voting; mail-in
ballots; establishment of Election Day as a holiday; and same-day
voter registration.
For the Jewish community, the events surrounding the 2000
presidential election must be seen as a clarion call to civic duty.
The impetus now exists for us to redouble efforts, individually and
collectively, to increase voter registration and participation, and
engage in legislative advocacy to ensure that vital election reform
proposals are afforded serious consideration by our nation’s elected
officials.
Therefore, the Central Conference of American Rabbis
resolves to:
vigorously enforce voting rights laws and to ensure that all Americans
have free, unfettered access to fulfill their right to a secret
ballot.
federal, state and local levels to ensure fairness with respect to the
casting and counting of votes.
equipment with more accurate and reliable equipment.
assistance to state and local governments to implement improvements in
their election systems.
and other appropriate governmental agencies to conduct a proper and
thorough investigation into the deeply troubling allegations of voter
disenfranchisement during the 2000 presidential election.
government agencies to undertake measures aimed at expanding voter
registration, increasing voter participation and ensuring equal access
to the polls for all Americans.
Call on our member rabbis to take a leadership role within
their congregations and communities in sponsoring nonpartisan voter
registration and voter participation drives.