Is There an Obligation to Vote? And How to Do It

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Is there an actual halachic obligation to vote?

The short answer is – yes.

THE OBLIGATION – RAV FEINSTEIN’S VIEW

Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l discusses the obligation to vote in an English letter, and finds the source of such an obligation in the notion of Hakaras HaTov—expressing our gratitude. In 1984, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York was conducting a voter registration campaign. Rav Moshe Feinstein was approached and responded that, in fact, Jews should vote.

Subsequently, a letter was released signed by Rav Feinstein delineating the obligation to vote. The letter stated:

“On reaching the shores of the United States, Jews found a safe haven. The rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights have allowed us the freedom to practice our religion without interference and to live in this republic in safety.

A fundamental principle of Judaism is hakaras hatov — recognizing benefits afforded us and giving expression to our appreciation. Therefore, it is incumbent on each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and to vote.

Therefore, I urge all members of the Jewish community to fulfill their obligations by registering as soon as possible, and by voting. By this, we can express our appreciation and contribute to the continued security of our community.”

RECTIFYING AN URGENT MATTER

On the other hand, the Steipler Gaon zt”l seems to view the obligation of voting as a means of fulfilling the need to rectify an urgent matter. Indeed, he is cited in Orchos Rabbeinu p. 141 in Cheshvan of 5726, as even having permitted a mourner within the seven days of mourning to vote when the need to vote is urgent.

RESPECTING THE VIEW OF THE GEDOLEI TORAH

The Slonimer Rebbe zt”l and others (See Bais Yaakov Yerichon L’Inyanei Chinuch 027-028 p. 30) have proposed an entirely different reason for the obligation. They write that the obligation to vote stems from the obligation to respect the view of Gedolei Torah.

STRENGTHENING TORAH

The Vishnitzer Rebbe writes that the obligation to vote in Israel stems from the obligation to strengthen Torah (Michtevei Kodesh #238).

DO THESE REASONS APPLY HERE?

Does this obligation to vote apply in the United States? Of course Rav Feinstein’s reason was stated here, so for that issue there is no question. But what about the other three reasons?

It would seem, from the proliferation of letters from yeshivos and shuls that it does. One should also vote in every election that effects such matters as well. It would also seem that it is worthwhile to investigate or to perhaps at least ask around as to which candidate would help support the Torah way of life most.

***A Yesoma is getting married soon. If anyone wishes to donate toward the chasunah please click here. https://shulspace.org/yeshiva-of-kings-bay/donationForm?CN=1487

In conclusion, there does seem to be a halachic obligation to vote either stemming from Hakaras HaTov, according to Rav Feinstein zt”l, rectifying an urgent matter according to the Steipler zt”l, respecting the view of the Gedolei Torah according to the Slonimer Rebbe, and from the obligation of strengthening Torah according to the Vishnitzer Rebbe.

With antisemitism surging to levels unseen in generations and Jews and democratic institutions under assault, we stand at a crossroads that will define not just our community’s future, but our very survival as free Jews in America.
This is not politics as usual. This is about whether our children will inherit a nation where they can walk proudly as Jews without fear.

The forces that seek to marginalize, demonize, and ultimately endanger Jewish life are mobilizing. They are organized. They are voting. And they are counting on our complacency.

***A Yesoma is getting married soon. If anyone wishes to donate toward the chasunah please click here. https://shulspace.org/yeshiva-of-kings-bay/donationForm?CN=1487

We have seen what happens when good people remain silent. We carry that history in our bones. We know that freedom is not a birthright—it is a responsibility that each generation must fight to preserve.

This is our moment. Our choice. Our obligation—not just as citizens, but as the inheritors of a covenant that demands uvacharta bachaim.

We also do not see any indication that the four above reasons are mutually exclusive. In other words, there could very well be four different halachic reasons that we should be voting.

What to do now:

Register yourself today, here: https://e-register.vote.nyc/

Make sure your 18 plus year old children, siblings, friends, and neighbors are all registered.

If you or someone you know will be out of town or studying abroad, request an absentee ballot now, here: https://requestballot.vote.nyc/absentee

You can check if you are registered, here: https://vote.nyc/page/am-i-registered

The author can be reached at [email protected]

***A Yesoma is getting married soon. If anyone wishes to donate toward the chasunah please click here. https://shulspace.org/yeshiva-of-kings-bay/donationForm?CN=1487