Make Your Voice Heard: Vote in the August 11 Primary
Dear Friends,
Early voting is underway, and if you have not yet cast your ballot, you can vote today.
Too often, primary elections receive only a fraction of the participation of general elections. Yet primary elections frequently determine who will ultimately hold public office. When turnout is low, a relatively small number of voters can have an outsized impact on the outcome, making it more likely that candidates from the ideological extremes advance. If we want elected officials who represent the broad interests of our communities, we must participate in the democratic process.
This year, Connecticut voters have an important opportunity to shape the future of our state. In addition to several significant local races, Democrats will also choose their nominee for Governor, one of the most consequential offices in Connecticut. These elections will have a lasting impact on the policies and leadership that shape our communities for years to come.
As a Jewish community, our voice matters. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we demonstrate that we are engaged citizens who care deeply about our state, our country, and the issues that affect Jewish life. We encourage every voter to take the time to learn about the candidates seeking office, examine their records, and consider how they have engaged with and supported the Jewish community, stood firmly against antisemitism, supported Israel and the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship, and approached issues important to our community over time.
JFACT does not endorse candidates, nor will we ever tell anyone how to vote. Our role is to encourage civic participation, strengthen our community’s voice, and ensure that elected officials know Connecticut’s Jewish community is engaged, informed, and committed to participating in our democracy.
The following community letter focuses on the Democratic Primary in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District, but it also contains important information for all voters about how to participate in this year’s primary election, including early voting, absentee voting, and voter registration deadlines.
Community Letter Regarding the CT-1 Democratic Primary
Dear Friends,
On Tuesday, August 11, Connecticut will hold its Democratic primary election including an important race for our congressional seat (CT-1). This is one of the first genuinely competitive races in our area in quite some time, making it an especially meaningful opportunity for our community to participate.
As Jews and as citizens, taking part in our democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is also critical that our community be known as one that participates in civic life on the local, state and federal levels. When we vote, we demonstrate that we are engaged, invested, and committed to the values and issues that matter to us. Our collective voice is strengthened when we as a Jewish community turn out and vote.
If you are a registered Democrat, take a moment to make a plan to vote. You can vote in person on August 11 at your respective polling site or during early voting between August 3 – August 9. Connecticut also offers no-excuse absentee ballots. You may request an absentee ballot here:
https://oabr-sots.ct.gov/OABR/absenteeBallotReqPortalHome.do
If you are currently unaffiliated, you can participate in the primary by enrolling as a Democrat by noon on August 10 to vote on Primary Day (August 11) or by noon on July 31 if you intend to vote during early voting. Party enrollment may be completed online at MyVote.CT.gov/register, by mail, or in person at your local Registrar of Voters office.
If you are a registered Republican or Independent, you are, unfortunately, not able to vote in this primary; however, we strongly encourage you to mark Tuesday, November 3, 2026 on your calendars for the next general election in our area.
There is often debate about how our Jewish community can best make its voice heard and advocate for the needs and values we hold dear. And it all starts with voting and making sure our voice counts. Our strength begins with our participation. Whether you vote on August 11, during the early voting period, or by absentee ballot, we urge you to make sure you vote!
Sincerely,
Rabbi Tuvia Brander
Young Israel of West Hartford
Rabbi Joseph Gopin
Rabbi Mendy Gopin
Chabad of Greater Hartford
Rabbi David Small
The Emanuel Synagogue
David Waren
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
Tara Cook-Littman
Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut
Ari Schaffer
CT For Israel