The Jewish Vote

Question

Dear Rabbi, my question is: Does a Jew have an obligation to vote in an election? Thank you.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    In countries where you’re obligated by law to vote, such as Australia and Belgium, one would be obligated to vote based on the concept “dina d’malchuta dina – the laws of the land are law.” This means that a Jew is obligated to follow the laws of the country in which he lives.

    In countries where voting is not obligatory by civil law, a Jew nevertheless has a responsibility to actively help in establishing a just society. As our Sages say in Ethics of the Fathers (2:3), “Pray for the peace of the kingdom (government) for if not for the fear of it, people would swallow each other alive.” Voting is one way of helping establish a better society, and hence one has a responsibility to do so.

    In Israel, where there are Jewish political parties which represent various Jewish interests, it is not unheard of that Rabbinical leaders issue rulings if there is a mitzvah to vote in a specific election.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team