By Karen Becker, political.chair@newjersey.sierraclub.org
What Happens If You Don’t Vote?
“I’m not voting. My vote doesn’t matter.” This is a common phrase heard during an election cycle. One or two votes may not change the outcome of an election. But what if hundreds or thousands of people decided not to vote because they think their vote doesn’t matter?
“Sitting out” an election has a direct impact on who runs your local government and how it’s managed. Your mayor or council appoints members of the community to serve on your planning or zoning board. Are they going to rubber-stamp an approval for a warehouse or will they develop a park and create an open space area on that vacant plot of land? Will they look for innovative ways to adopt solar or wind or are they climate change deniers?
If you don’t vote, what impact will that have on your community and way of life?
Some people holding local positions want to move up the political ladder and serve at a higher level. How will their views on issues affect you when they have even more power?
In 2015, Andrew Zwicker (currently a Democrat serving in the NJ Senate) would not have won a seat in the NJ Assembly if 78 people had decided to “sit out the election.” That’s how many votes he won by. Zwicker’s victory was an environmental win for the state, as he has sponsored bills to establish solar power incentive programs, create an Office of Clean Energy Equity in the Board of Public Utilities, and promote transition to electric vehicles. Most recently, he sponsored A4214/S2770, which Gov. Phil Murphy just signed into law, authorizing the NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend loans for transportation infrastructure projects.
The key race to follow in the 2022 midterm election is in NJ Congressional District 7, where incumbent Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski faces a challenge for the second time from former state Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. Malinowski won in 2020 by 5,300 votes or just 1% of the total ballots cast. This is a prime example of how the outcome of a race can result in a landslide victory or a close call, proving once again, every vote matters. Another win for Malinowski could mean Democrats retain control of the House.
The Sierra Club has endorsed candidates, including Malinowski, who have supported environmental and social justice causes. We now take an even broader look at candidates, making sure they put county over party and politics. Many states have made it difficult for residents in marginalized communities to vote. Ironically, these communities have the most severe environmental and social justice issues.
Election day is November 8. It is imperative that we vote if for no other reason than to protect our democracy. Make a plan to vote in person, by mail, or at an early voting location. Don’t sit this one out.
Contact your county clerk for information on how to vote by mail or early voting dates.