‘Vote Like Your Life Depends on it’ – Jewish Community Leaders on Election Day

As voters across New York head to the polls today, Jewish community leaders spoke with Belaaz about the closely-watched mayoral race, stressing that robust civic engagement is essential for the community’s well-being.

The leaders emphasized that the primary goal is demonstrating the community’s unified voice and engagement.

Yossi Gestetner, a marketing executive active in communal affairs, noted the high participation in New York and New Jersey.

“The turnout in many Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in New York and New Jersey are very strong,” Gestetner told Belaaz. “And at the end of the day, even if people vote for a candidate who ends up losing, the turnout in itself carries weight and a value throughout the year and into the next election period. Political candidates, office holders and elected officials generally tend to engage with and assist communities that are active in the civic process. Therefore, it’s encouraging to see the turnout in many Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods being what they are.”

This sentiment was echoed by Josh Mehlman of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition (FJCC).
“It is crucial for every person in the Orthodox Jewish community to vote,” Mehlman said, explaining that “win or lose, the fact that our community votes helps us be heard on all levels of government. City, state, and federal officials are watching this election closely to see which communities actually come out to vote. The ones that do are the ones that are listened to when issues invariably come up.”

Mehlman stressed the tangible impact of this engagement on “everyday issues,” citing “our yeshivas, our shuls, our safety, security, quality of life, our businesses, or health issues.”

The mobilization efforts have already yielded significant results. Mehlman reported a massive spike in early voting, particularly in Flatbush.
“We had a record turnout for early voting,” he said. “The New York Times published a graph showing which communities citywide came out strongest. The highest number of voters as a community in the entire city was the Flatbush community.”

According to Mehlman, the early voting surge was so intense that the Board of Elections was caught off guard. “The Board of Elections executives called me asking, ‘What are we doing?’ They couldn’t handle it. On an almost daily basis, they were adding more staff and more machines to handle the crowd.”

Despite the high engagement, leaders acknowledged challenges, such as confusion over the complex ballot layout. Mehlman confirmed that voters, particularly those looking for Governor Cuomo on a specific line, found the ballot confusing, since former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is in a close race against Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, appears almost last in a group of other candidates, many of whom have dropped out.

“Yes, people are definitely confused,” Mehlman stated. “That’s why FJCC and most organizations, while endorsing candidates, are giving out sample ballots.”

The message from leaders across the boroughs was one of urgency.

“Vote like your life depends on it,” said Sorolle Idels of the Queens Jewish Alliance. “And if you don’t, don’t kvetch about it later.”

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein issued a similar call to action: “It’s Election Day, and your vote truly matters! Now more than ever, we need you to show up at your polling place and make your voice heard! Regardless of the outcome, we must show our elected officials that we care. Let’s make our voices heard!”

City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov said: “This is one of the most consequential city elections of our lifetime. Our choice is between socialism and the American way of life. There’s no understating how high the stakes are here. Don’t let our city down! Vote for Cuomo!”

As the polls remain open, community leaders are optimistic that the strong early voting turnout will continue through Election Day.
“We are looking forward to a similar Election Day turnout, with Hashem’s help, by the end of the day today,” Mehlman said.