American democracy is a hard-won gift handed down to us by the founders of our country. Given the long history of voter disenfranchisement in our nation, it’s perplexing that so many citizens fail to exercise their right to vote. For example, in the New Jersey gubernatorial and legislative primaries this past June, 2017, only 13% of the state’s nearly 5.8 million registered voters came out to vote, which is in line with the recent history of low voter turn-out for NJ primaries. This year, most New Jersey residents left the decision of who the major party candidates would be to the usual political insiders.
Perhaps low voting in our state’s primaries is the result of the overwhelming din of national politics, or NJ residents’ dissatisfaction with the political system. Whatever the reason, politics-as-usual is not going to change until more people get politically engaged and stand up for the issues that matter to their communities. “Political Engagement” means more than just going to the polls on election day, though that is crucial. It also means educating oneself about the issues at stake, connecting with fellow citizens around causes, and mobilizing others to act before and between elections. You can help build democracy in NJ.
Here are four suggestions for ways you can get yourself and others politically engaged before the New Jersey general elections in the fall:
- If you are not registered, register to vote in NJ online through Rock the Vote.
- Join the League of Women Voters of New Jersey – This non-partisan organization works to register voters, protect voting rights, and inform citizens so they can make educated decisions.
- Volunteer for Your Party – You can find your local headquarters of the NJ Republican Party HERE or volunteer for the NJ State Democratic Committee HERE.
- Start (or Support) a Movement, Virtually – PLANETCIVIC is a new, non-partisan platform that empowers you to suggest an idea for the betterment of NJ, rally others to vote for or against this idea, and then send your idea along with a voting tally to your NJ state representatives. It’s an opportunity to speak with a collective voice about the issues that affect our state, to register your opinion on an issue with the click of a button.
It’s up to the people of New Jersey to start the fireworks, pardon the pun. We need to activate the silent majority. Together, we can create a climate in which more citizens are informed, engaged and outspoken about the priorities for their communities.
