We cannot separate ourselves from the community – Hillel (Pirket Avot 2:5)
Everyone who lives in our community should have a say in what happens in our community. In this year’s Rockville municipal elections, we have a chance to ensure that more residents will have their voices heard in future elections, including those who have been systematically shut out of political decisions.
Four referenda will appear on mail-in ballots. JUFJ urges all Rockville voters to vote YES on Question 1, Question 2, and Question 4. We are not taking any position on Question 3.
YES on Question 1- Lower Voting Age to 16
Rockville residents who are 16 or 17 are an integral part of the city’s community. They work, support their families, pay city taxes, and so much more. As in other jurisdictions, JUFJ supports expanding local voting rights to include these young people who have so much to contribute to our community.
YES on Question 2 – Expanding Local Voting to Noncitizen Rockville Residents
The laws that govern Rockville apply to everyone – and everyone who is subject to those laws should have a say in who is crafting them, regardless of immigration status. One third of Rockville residents were born in another country, and those residents should have their voices heard.
YES on Question 4 – Creating Representative Districts
The City Council in Rockville, like the County Council, should have a combination of District members and At-Large members. This will allow for more direct reflection of residents’ needs and opinions than a purely at-large Council; a Council with only At-Large members is accountable only to the needs of the dominant majority.
How to Vote
All Rockville voters should receive a ballot mailed to your home, which can be returned by mail or via the drop-box outside City Hall (111 Maryland Ave) before Election Day. If you prefer to vote in person, you can go to Rockville City Hall (111 Maryland Ave) or Thomas Farm Community Center (700 Fallsgrove Dr) between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 7.
Get Involved
If you have questions about these ballot measures or want to get involved, contact Laura (laura@jufj.org).
