This piece will be released on an infinitely consequential day in the calendar. November 3rd is Election Day in the U.S. The ripples of the choices we make will be felt for generations. This is not alarmist hyperbole. It is an all hands on deck call for those who know that their vote is their voice.
For anyone who feels hopeless about the midterms and believes that the election will be canceled, remember that it has already started. People are doing mail in voting or dropping off their ballots. For those who are cynical, thinking that their vote won’t matter because of a great likelihood that the party currently in power will sabotage seating of the newly elected Dem candidates if the BIG BLUE WAVE that is predicted, comes to be, remember that your vote is your voice, regardless of outcome. Are you willing to let your power be taken from you without fighting for it? I’m not.
In a precious few days, we will begin to see the results of the elections in all 50 states. If you have voted already, thank you. If you have not yet voted, PLEASE DO. It is your civic duty and your hard earned right. Your vote matters. I voted a few weeks ago via drop box. This election is a pivotal point in our country. Think about the kind of future you want for the next generations and vote accordingly. For those who can’t think of all the reasons to vote, and you are appalled with this administration, think of your vote as a big middle finger to it.
I live in Bucks County, PA which is a pivotal county in a pivotal state. We are considered a ‘purple’ state. The stakes are high. We have an election for Governor and Congressman. Josh Shapiro and Bob Harvie are facing off with Stacy Garrity and Brian Fitzpatrick. I know very little about Garrity but Fitz is a fixture in the county with his claims to be Independent in his votes. “Since January 2025, Fitzpatrick has voted with the Trump administration’s 133 stated positions on congressional votes 93 times, according to the analysis. Agreement with the administration’s stated position on 134 House passage votes since January 2025.” The truth is, he only votes in opposition when his vote doesn’t matter, thus feeding his contention that he puts country over party. Ain’t so. His large billboards that he recycles each election cycle claim that he is for a united community and that various organizations support him. This year, he played dirty politics, claiming that Bob Harvie was being investigated by the FBI and refuses to release the files. Harvie was a witness in an FBI probe, not a target.
State Senator Steve Santarsiero is on the ballot for re-election against Republican Greg Bankos, Jr.
Yesterday, I was glad to join several hundred folks from the community at a GOTV (Get Out The Vote) rally in support of Shapiro’s re-election and Harvie’s election. A day that had a decidedly autumnal feel to it, with occasional winds and the sun peeking out from behind cloud cover, seemed to herald a change in season and regime.
A love-fest, with people of all ages (mostly Baby Boomers and Millennials) gathered to cheer on the candidates and cheer themselves up as well. In the past year and some months, there has not been much to feel hopeful about. The speakers got the crowd prepped for Harvie and Shapiro and the theme across the board was what we as a community have done and will continue to do to create a future that it is inclusive of all, regardless of culture, religion (or no religious beliefs), skin color, country of origin, gender, or sexual orientation. I wondered if there was a memo that went out to the speakers that the uniform of the day was blue jeans. Those who took the ‘stage’ that was really a platform, included State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, State Rep. Tim Brennan, Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler and Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Eugene DePasquale. As he spoke in an animated fashion, Ceisler joked that he almost went over the edge of the platform. He made history last year as his election to his position defeated former Sheriff Fred Harran who wanted the police force to team up with ICE.
Here are a few snippets of Shapiro’s inspiring speech. He spoke about a component of Judaism that is near and dear to my heart. Tikkun Olam translates as ‘repair of the world’. For me it is about putting legs under my beliefs and doing what I can to be of service.
Governor Josh Shapiro
Commissioner Bob Harvie
Sheriff Danny Ceisler
Senator Steve Santarsiero
Nick Maio and Jen Maio
Representative Tim Brennan
Remember that our individual votes create the future for each of us and collectively, the world. The state of the nation is in your hands. Let’s GSD!
The highlight of the day for me was getting to meet and hug Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro. Thank you to my friend Sue-Ann DiVito, for being right there, catching this moment.
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