Countdown to the General Election
on November 3:
69 Days

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned as activists, it’s that we are greater than the sum of our parts. Individuals working together make a powerful organization; organizations working together make a powerful network. Enough of us come together, and we are unstoppable! 

Like the Borg. But, you know. Not evil.
Plus, with us, Resistance is NOT futile!

This week, building power through partnerships has been much on our minds, collectively speaking. Partnerships within our group, partnerships among grassroots groups in New Jersey, and a very exciting new partnership on a national level! 

First, we’d like to announce the resumption of one of our favorite partnerships ever.

Our beloved Judy Kelly, formerly our Co-Executive Director and Field Director, has agreed to serve as Chair of the NJ 11th for Change Board of Directors! We’ve missed Judy since she stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the group, and are all hearts-aflutter at this sign that she still loves us.

She loves us, she loves us, she loves us.

As anyone who has worked with Judy knows, the woman is a powerhouse. She understands our organization inside and out, brings her heart and soul to everything she does, and (to be completely honest) she still has most of our group swag stored in her garage. As the Chair of our Board, she’ll be able to share her wisdom and experience with us, and provide an unvarnished big-picture perspective on our day-to-day operations.

“If I agree to serve as Chair, will someone please take the boxes of
NJ11 buttons out of my garage already?” asks Judy.
No, Judy, no we won’t.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to former Chairman Jonathan Bellack, who has served in that vital role from Day 1. Jonathan has been a generous, dedicated, and shrewd advisor as our group evolved. We are very pleased that Jonathan will remain on the Board, and hopeful that in his hard-earned free time he’ll be able to take up some relaxing new hobbies. You know, like postcarding. Or textbanking, or …

Thank you, Jonathan, for serving us so well during your years as Chairman!

And … another powerful partnership deserves celebration this week!

On Friday, our ally group BlueWaveNJ coordinated the efforts of many grassroots organizations to host simultaneous demonstrations at post offices across New Jersey. In total, over 20 events were held, protesting the dismantling of the United States Postal Service. 

NJ 11th for Change partnered up with BlueWaveNJ by hosting two of the rallies, in Morristown and in Wayne. Turnout was high — almost 200 people total between our two locations — and so were spirits.

A statewide show of support for our USPS!

An extra-special thanks to Sal Schifano and Dianne Douthat, who made the Wayne event a horn-honking success (and brought cookies for the postal workers, too!).

(left to right) Sal, cookies, and Dianne

At Valley Road P.O. in Wayne.

And a giant shout-out to Bridget Daley, who got us lots of great media coverageand found just the right spot for over 100 protesters in Morristown!

At Convent Station, Morristown.

There’s one more partnership — an incredibly urgent national partnership — that we're launching TODAY!

In previous newsletters, we have hinted at our upcoming collaboration with Working America (WA), the progressive activism branch of the AFL-CIO. Their data-driven, analytics-tested approach to persuading moderate voters has proven highly effective, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them in a letter-writing campaign geared towards national impact. You want to support Biden in swing states, and give Trump the bum’s rush out of the White House? 

This is the way to do it. And now is the time!

SIGN UP HERE!

How does Working America’s system work? And why are we convinced it’s worth our effort to help?

WA has been operating since 2003, and has built a membership of about 3.5 million people, cutting across many demographics and political affiliations. This gives them a broad view on American voters from coast to coast, including 2.4 million voters in battleground states that will be crucial to reach before November 3. 

The group works to influence voter behavior through issue education — followed (as the election gets closer) by persuasion that links those issues to candidates. 

But how does Working America know what issues reach voters, and what arguments are persuasive? Data, data, data!

Coordinated by an independent social science research group, some 70,000-80,000 Working America members are surveyed every month about issues, political affiliations, and more. This pool is also “treated” with texts, letters, phone calls, and social media outreach, allowing the data team to analyze statistical trends and identify the most effective approaches to persuading not only their members, but also demographically-similar segments of the general public.

Pre-COVID, year-round door-to-door canvassing was a core part of Working America’s approach. Canvassers were trained to have substantive discussions of issues, listening to voters’ concerns and building trust with millions of members.

Over the years, this in-depth outreach has allowed Working America to develop a detailed understanding of people and how they vote. And because Working America listens to its members’ concerns, it has built trust with its members, who have come to count on WA for reliable information. 

All of this deep background knowledge has helped Working America to identify subgroups of voters that can be influenced to vote for more progressive candidates — IF we provide them with the information they need to focus on the right wedge issues. 

Right now, WA’s analysis has determined that a voter whose top issue is healthcare is 39-44% more likely to be a Biden voter. They have also identified a significant, specific subset of their members (non-college-educated voters and those who do not have cable t.v.; how’s that for specific?) that can be swung by a significant margin to vote blue … IF we can persuade them to make healthcare their number-one issue.

That’s where our NJ 11th for Change volunteers come in. 

Working America’s campaign is targeting this cohort of voters in a focused set of swing states: Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Ohio. The organization has tested outreach focusing on healthcare and has model letters ready for us to use. The letters ready to send right now, at this stage of election,

do not mention Trump!
do not mention Biden!
do not mention the election AT ALL! 

And yet, they work. They work to swing voters, with success rates that completely outstrip other campaigns. Election after election, Working America’s approach has worked in changing peoples’ minds — and changing how they vote.

We know many NJ 11th for Change members want to support Biden’s campaign. You may have been envisioning sending postcards with pictures of Joe Biden looking charismatic, of Kamala Harris looking determined; you may have been thinking about writing messages that sing the praises of Joe and Kamala, urging people to vote Blue! And as satisfying as those postcards and letters would be to write, they aren’t as effective at swinging voters as this Working America strategy: focusing on issues at this stage of the election season, and only later linking those issues to the candidates. Focusing specifically on the #1 issue — healthcare — that gets people to change their vote from Trump to Biden.

Working America’s goal is to send out 850,000–1,000,000 letters, which they anticipate will swing 200,000 voters in battleground states. 

Want to learn more about the Working America letter-writing campaign? Click here.

Are you ready to buckle down? Working America asks each volunteer to commit to sending 200 letters over the course of the next 8 weeks: 25 letters per week. You’ll need stationery, stamps and access to a computer printer, but other than that, it’s simple. Here is how it works: 

• WA will send you a list of addresses, and several healthcare-related letter templates (as computer docs), each market-tested and vetted. 
• You choose one of the templates, and customize it by typing in a paragraph about your own personal experience with healthcare in America, and how it has influenced your feelings about this important issue. 
• Add “Dear _______” and print out the letter! 
• Sign it, stuff it in an envelope, stamp it, and address it, and mail it. Done!

Experienced WA volunteers say it’s actually EASIER than postcarding — much less writing by hand. Just your signature at the bottom of the letter and a handwritten mailing address. It doesn’t get easier or more efficient than that!

Print.

Sign.

Stuff.

Stamp.

Address.

Totally doable. Even more doable if you partner up with a friend to share the cost and the workload! Get the family involved, too — kids are great at stuffing envelopes!

Jim Price has volunteered to captain our team of Working-America letter-writers. If you are interested in joining this HIGH-IMPACT team, please email Jim, and put “Working America” in the subject line. 

The enigmatic Jim Price. Creator of the Mikie-Mail mailbox, king of the Letters-to-the-Editor team, and now captain of NJ11’s squad of Working America letter writers. Anyone else starting to think the man’s got a thing for the mail?

We are SO excited about our partnership with Working America. At NJ 11th for Change, we always want to get results from the time and energy we’re putting in; we want the most bang for our buck. We know how much our members want to influence the presidential race in battleground states, and we’re confident that THIS is the best way to do it. 

We hope you’ll take part in this powerful partnership! 

REMEMBER THESE
KEY DEADLINES
EVERY VOTER SHOULD KNOW

September 4: online voter registration opens

October 5 (Monday): deadline for County Clerks to mail VBM ballots

October 9 (Friday): call your County Clerk if you haven’t received a VBM ballot! 

October 13: voter registration / address change deadline

October 23: deadline for County Clerks to mail voters information about polling place locations

November 3 (Election Day): in-person polls open 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; deadline for USPS postmarks and dropboxes

November 5: ballots lacking postmarks (due to USPS error) must be received to be counted

November 10: ballots postmarked by Nov 3 must be received to be counted

November 20: deadline for election results to be certified

Events &
Volunteer Opportunities

ALL TEAMS

• LETTER-WRITING TO SWING STATES—Send letters to a carefully selected cohort of swing-able voters in swing-able battleground states! See the newsletter write-up above for more details, and email Jim Price to get involved with this campaign, which is focused on the presidential election. Launching NOW! Don't delay!
  
  
• POSTCARDING IS HAPPENING—NJ 11^th for Change will be mailing postcards to CD11 voters in two more phases, with a different target group each time. Phase #3 (the biggest!) will be starting starting soon and still needs volunteers, as will Phase #4. Turnout is everything this year — for races up and down the ballot, from the White House to Congress and the Senate to every local race. If you’d like to get your name on the list of volunteers, email Leslie right away!

• VANQUISH THE VILLAINS “TAKE BACK THE SENATE” CAMPAIGN — The Kickoff is over, but the opportunity continues! NJ 11^th For Change is partnering with SOMA ACTION for this effort to ensure that Senate seats in Maine (Collins), Arizona (McSally), and North Carolina (Tillis) turn BLUE in November! (Fans of West Orange's hometown astronaut may take especial interest in helping out with the AZ race!) Join up to compete and make your mark! [We still need a Team Leader for North Carolina.] Here's how to sign up for our teams:
  
  • MAINE: Email Susan with the subject "VANQUISH THE VILLAINS"
  • ARIZONA: Email Maralyn with the subject "VANQUISH THE VILLAINS"
  • NORTH CAROLINA: Email with the subject line "VANQUISH TILLIS" 

• CALL TO ACTION: NJ ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BILL UPDATE — Prior to Monday, August 31. Assembly Bill A2212 concerns the disproportionate, detrimental environmental & public health impacts of pollution on overburdened communities, i.e., communities of color and low-income, who are hardest hit by multiple pollutants and polluting facilities (for example, the trash incinerator in Newark). The bill was scheduled for an Assembly vote last Thursday but was not held because it did not have enough votes to pass. It had previously passed the Senate, but since changes had been made since that vote, the bill will need to get through the Senate again as well. We need to keep the pressure on to keep this very important bill moving.
  1. Please call Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin! Tell him you want to see this bill posted for a vote again, at the next voting session, which is currently scheduled for Aug 31. Call 732-855-7441
  2. If your Assembly reps are not sponsors, please call and ask them to co-sponsor and/or support the bill when it comes up for a vote. If they are a sponsor (John McKeon is a Primary Sponsor), please reach out and thank them and express your ardent support.

• YOUR TOWN TEAM — IT’S WHERE CHANGE HAPPENS! NOW IS THE TIME to step up and get involved locally! Across the 11^th, town teams are out there making (properly distanced!) noise and helping to create the change they want to see in their own hometowns. Not sure if NJ 11^th for Change has an active town team where you are? Email Leslieto sign up and get yourself going in the right direction.

TOWN TEAMS

Verona

• VERONA TOWN TEAM VIRTUAL MEETING—Wednesday, August 26, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Join us for the next joint meeting of the NJ 11th for Change Verona Town Team and the Verona Democratic Committee. Please RSVP to Ellen Buttolph and we'll provide you with the ZOOM link.

PLEASE DONATE

NJ 11th For Change
http://www.nj11thforchange.org/

NJ 11^th for Change is a 501(c)(4) unaffiliated organization dedicated to advocating for all people of New Jersey’s 11^th Congressional District. We foster an engaged and informed community with the power to shape our political representation so that it is transparent, responsive and accountable—and so that it reflects the values of fairness, compassion, inclusivity and a decent quality of life.

NJ 11th for Change Commends Rep. Mikie Sherrill for Holding Early Town Hall

Event Provided Opportunity for Dialogue Between Constituents and Representative

Parsippany, NJ, January 27, 2019 -- NJ 11th for Change commends Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Congresswoman for the 11th District of New Jersey, for holding a Town Hall early in her first term, giving constituents an opportunity to hear about her legislative agenda and pose questions and concerns directly to her, in person.

NJ 11th for Change’s membership was deeply frustrated by the unwillingness of its previous representative, Rodney Frelinghuysen, to hold a Town Hall for more than five years, despite repeated requests.

According to the group:

“NJ 11th for Change is premised on the need for transparency, accountability and responsiveness from our elected representatives. Ongoing, robust and two-way dialogue between public officials and their constituents is critical for meaningful representation to occur, and Town Halls provide a vital forum for these conversations. It was especially important that our representative hear from the people of our district so early in her first term as she makes key decisions about Committees, bill sponsorships, and how she will define herself within the Democratic caucus.

“This Town Hall provided an opportunity for district residents to get an update from Rep. Sherrill on her activities in Washington, D.C., and to converse with her about concerns as wide-ranging as the government shutdown, gun safety, immigration reform, health care, infrastructure, taxes, climate change and holding President Trump to account. While not everyone agrees on every issue, the ability to voice our concerns to, and hear from, our representative is crucial.

“We look forward to continuing a meaningful dialogue with Rep. Sherrill at regular Town Halls and other venues.”

About NJ 11th for Change

NJ 11th for Change is a 501(c)(4) unaffiliated organization dedicated to advocating for all people of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional district. We foster an engaged and informed community with the power to shape our political representation so that it is transparent, responsive and accountable -- and so that it reflects the values of fairness, compassion, inclusivity and a decent quality of life. Follow us at nj11thforchange.org or  facebook.com/NJ11thForChange or on Twitter at @nj11forchange.

Statement for immediate release: 12/17/18

NJ 11th for Change Applauds End To Partisan Redistricting Proposal: ‘Business As Usual In Trenton Is Done’

Montclair, NJ -- NJ 11th for Change joins local and national groups in hailing Saturday’s decision to take a radical redistricting proposal off the table, effectively killing an ill-advised plan that would have opened the door to extreme gerrymandering across New Jersey.

The decision to refrain from putting these measures to a vote is a powerful vindication of a unique and intensive effort by a broad range of concerned citizens in our state. Across New Jersey, citizens transcended partisanship to fight for fairness and equity in drawing our electoral maps. NJ 11th for Change is proud to stand with a coalition of 130 groups statewide, including the League of Women Voters, New Jersey Working Families Alliance, BlueWaveNJ, and many others, in ensuring that state Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin got the message loud and clear.

The unified opposition to this proposal reflects a strong consensus for a district-drawing process that centers the voices of ALL voters over strong-arm tactics and partisan politics.

NJ11th for Change Executive Director Saily Avelenda said the outcome sends a strong message that state legislators will continue to be held accountable, and NJ 11th for Change will continue working to ensure that constituents’ voices are heard.

“Business as usual in Trenton is done.  We are here to remind our legislators that they are elected to represent us in Trenton -- not to protect their positions or grant themselves more power,” Avelenda said.  “NJ 11th for Change will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and responsiveness at all levels of government, and we will fight against any legislation that threatens those principles and threatens the ideals of good government.”

About NJ 11th for Change

NJ 11th for Change is a 501(c)(4) unaffiliated organization dedicated to advocating for all people of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional district. We foster an engaged and informed community with the power to shape our political representation so that it is transparent, responsive and accountable -- and so that it reflects the values of fairness, compassion, inclusivity and a decent quality of life. Follow us at http://www.nj11thforChange.org or http://www.facebook.com/NJ11thForChange or on Twitter at @nj11forchange.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2018

NJ 11^th for Change Requests Mikie Sherrill Hold Town Hall

Constituents Eager to Ask Questions of New Congresswoman-Elect

Montclair, NJ — NJ 11^th for Change today sent a letter to Congresswoman-Elect Mikie Sherrill requesting that she hold a Town Hall as soon as practicable before year end or early in the new year following her inauguration.

Mikie Sherrill repeatedly committed during her campaign to hold regular Town Hall meetings so that constituents could voice their concerns and ask questions.  As the Congresswoman-Elect begins to make decisions regarding caucuses and coalitions to join and support, the people of NJ-11 are eager to hear her reasoning for these decisions, as well as her plans for turning her campaign promises into actionable policies that directly improve the lives of constituents in her district. 

“We enthusiastically endorsed Mikie Sherrill because she ran a transparent and responsive campaign, and because she voiced positions on issues like women’s rights, healthcare, infrastructure and taxes that align with the values of our district. As Ms. Sherrill gets ready to begin the job we hired her to do, we are eager to ask her how she plans to translate those campaign positions into policy and develop a voting record that reflects the needs and concerns of her constituents,” said Saily M. Avelenda, Executive Director of NJ 11^th for Change.

“After years of frustrating stonewalling and unwillingness to engage from our current Congressman, we look forward to Ms. Sherrill’s honoring her repeated commitment to hold regular Town Hall meetings and be otherwise responsive to her constituents and the issues they elected her to address,” said Elizabeth Juviler, Political Director of NJ 11^th for Change.

A copy of NJ 11^th for Change’s letter is below.

The following announcement has been distributed to media outlets, November 8, 2018:

NJ 11th for Change to Join Nobody is Above the Law Rally Today in Morristown

Group Demands Congress Protect Mueller Investigation In Response to Sessions Firing

Morristown, NJ—NJ 11th for Change will join other groups this afternoon to protest President Trump’s abuse of power in firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions -- and appointing Trump loyalist Matthew Whitaker to replace him -- in order to quash the criminal investigation into his Administration.

According to Saily M. Avelenda, Esq., Executive Director of NJ 11th for Change:

“We, the people, are awake, and we will not stay silent as this president relentlessly drives stake after stake into the heart of our fundamental democratic institutions. We will not be worn down. We demand our current Congress finally stand up to this abuse of power and protect the Mueller investigation, and we look forward to a new congressional delegation next year -- including newly elected Mikie Sherrill in our district -- that will exercise its constitutional duty to impose checks and balances on this out of control executive. Nobody is above the law.”

• WHAT: Nobody is Above the Law Rally
• WHERE: Morristown Green at Washington Street, Morristown, NJ,
• WHEN: Thursday, November 8, 2018, 5 pm

About NJ 11th for Change:

NJ 11th For Change is a 501(c)(4) unaffiliated organization dedicated to advocating for all people of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. We foster an engaged and informed community with the power to shape our political representation so that it is transparent, responsive and accountable—and so that it reflects the values of fairness, compassion, inclusivity and a decent quality of life.

To learn more, visit:

nj11thforChange.org;

facebook.com/NJ11thForChange;

@nj11forchange;

instagram.com/nj11thforchange/

This is the statement released by NJ 11th for Change to media outlets on the evening of November 6, 2018:

Montclair, NJ — The following statement can be attributed to Saily M. Avelenda, Esq., Executive Director of NJ 11th for Change:

“We are thrilled to congratulate Mikie Sherrill on her impressive win!

“Throughout her campaign, Mikie Sherrill has displayed the transparency, responsiveness, and accountability we demand from all of our elected representatives. After 24 years of being underrepresented, after years and years of having a representative who refused to hear our concerns, WE FINALLY HAVE CHANGE!  We are confident that Mikie Sherrill will serve with these principles in mind.

“Mikie stands firmly in favor of affordable healthcare, women’s reproductive rights, public transportation, fair taxation, LGBTQ rights, the environment, boosting New Jersey’s economy, and other issues that are vital to creating a robust and an inclusive community in CD11.  She is committed to standing up against the harmful policies being implemented in Washington and to moving us forward as a district and as a nation. We know that once she takes her seat in Congress, Mikie will fight hard for CD11, for New Jersey, and for the nation. And NJ 11th for Change will be right there, supporting her efforts and ensuring that our voices continue to be heard.

“This win is also a victory for the thousands of members of NJ 11th for Change who have spent the last two years tirelessly mobilizing and organizing, speaking out, knocking on doors, making telephone calls, writing postcards, and showing up in the rain, snow and heat to ensure that their voices and concerns were heard. Without them, there would be no NJ 11th for Change.  WIthout them, there would never have been an opportunity for a strong candidate like Mikie Sherrill to emerge. Every one of our members deserves to celebrate and savor this moment.

“This is the power of us. This is what democracy looks like when it works FOR the people, and we are incredibly proud to have been a part of this transformation in CD11.

“Finally, we are keenly aware of the work yet to come. NJ 11th for Change has never been about any single election, or any single elected official. We will continue to fight for sustainable and real representation at all levels of government, from the state legislature to the county to municipal offices in CD11. We will continue to hold our elected officials accountable, shine a light on their actions, and mobilize our volunteers towards more civic engagement.  

“This is only the beginning.”

Here are early voting locations and hours in NJ-11.

Early voting continues in all four NJ-11 counties until 3 PM Monday, Nov. 5.

Morris County Clerk:

Administration & Records Building
10 Court Street
P.O. Box 315
Morristown, NJ 07963-0315
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
973-285-6120
www.morriscountyclerk.org

• In-person early voting available: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, up until 3:00 PM on Monday, November 5.

Essex County Clerk:

Hall of Records
465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Room 247
Newark, NJ 07102
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
973-621-4921
http://www.essexclerk.com/

• In-person early voting available: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, up until 3:00 PM on Monday, November 5.

NEW!! ADDITIONAL ESSEX EARLY VOTING LOCATION:

South Mountain Recreation Complex 
Turtle Back Zoo Education Center Building (adjacent to Park and Ride)
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

• Monday, November 5, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Passaic County Clerk:

401 Grand Street
Room 130
Paterson, NJ 07505
Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
973-225-3632
http://www.passaiccountynj.org

• In-person early voting available: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, up until 3:00 PM on Monday, November 5.

Sussex County Clerk:

83 Spring Street
Suite 304
Newton, NJ 07860-2080
Hours: Weekdays: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
973-579-0900
www.sussexcountyclerk.org

• In-person early voting available: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, up until 3:00 PM on Monday, November 5.

We know. It's been confusing. But here are the great big YES answers to many VBM/voting early questions: 

• Can any registered voter vote early, even if he or she signed up to Vote by Mail? YES!!!!
• I didn't send my mail-in ballot by the deadline. Or my pet tortoise ate it. Is it BETTER to vote early than by provisional ballot on election day? YES!!!!!
• Is my early voting ballot a REAL ballot counted on election night (and is my provisional ballot counted later?) YES AND YES!!!!
• If I was sent a VBM but can't find it, can I vote at an early voting location? YES!!!!
• If I was sent a VBM to another address, can I vote early? YES!!!
• If I requested a VBM but it never arrived, can I vote early? YES!!!!!
• If I applied to VBM but the Clerk didn't process it, can I vote early? YES!!!!!
• If I have not applied to VBM but I want to vote early, even after October 30th, can I vote early? YES!!!!!
• If I am on the record as being a VBM voter and I neglect to vote by mail or early, will my ONLY choice be to vote by PROVISIONAL ballot on election day? YES!!!!!

And again: Is EARLY VOTING better than voting by provisional ballot?

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!

Here's exactly where and when you can cast an early vote:

THIS IS HOW REPUBLICAN POLITICIANS LIKE CHRIS CHRISTIE AND JAY WEBBER TALK TO WOMEN!

Like bullies. Bullies whose constant response to women’s concerns is a resounding NO.

When Christie said NO to women’s well-being with drastic cuts to women’s health care, the impact was devastating. Health centers were forced to close.  Breast and cervical cancer cases increased. And Morris County had the highest surge in bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the state.

We also know Jay Webber’s harsh voting record on issues that affect women and their families.  There’s no reason to believe his views would change if he were elected to Congress.   

Webber voted:

• NO! on a bill that passed overwhelmingly to protect women and minorities from workplace discrimination, making it illegal to offer them lower pay and fewer benefits without good reason.
• NO! on increasing the minimum wage.  
• NO! (repeatedly) on funding for Planned Parenthood and other family planning clinics.   
• NO! on after-school programs for at-risk children.
• NO! (twice) on a bill that would require health benefits for certain treatment therapies for autism and other developmental disabilities.

And when it came time to require insurers to cover breast evaluations and other medically necessary tests, Webber was silent — he abstained from voting on a unanimously passed bill.

Do we want to be represented in Congress by someone who has failed to show compassion and empathy?  

NO.

Vote Mikie Sherrill on November 6.

One in five women in the U.S. relies on Planned Parenthood for health services that include testing and treatment for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy testing, and cancer screenings. Last year, over 18,000 women, men and teens received treatment from Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey.

A poll commissioned by NJ11th for Change showed more than 70% of district residents support continued federal funding to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services. Even the majority of Republicans polled agreed. But Jay Webber has been unyielding in his quest to defund the clinics. Thankfully, NJ legislators have prevailed to keep them open and help families in need.

Imagine being a gay or transgender teenager whose family decides to “fix” you through conversion therapy sessions -- medically unsound, non-scientific interventions purporting to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Since you’re a minor, refusal is not an option. Many LGBT adults who have undergone the process describe it as torturous, traumatic and harmful.

Conversion therapy has been condemned by the American Medical Association. A 2015 New Jersey court case officially ruled it to be fraud. And former U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, issued a report stating that "there is no valid scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed."

When NJ legislators voted overwhelmingly to oppose this type of treatment on minors, guess who voted against abolishing the practice? Jay Webber.

Protect LGBTQ teens.

Vote Mikie Sherrill November 6.

Essex County voters – you now have a choice of TWO places in which you can vote early in Election 2016.  An additional center is now open at South Mountain Recreation Complex, Turtle Back Zoo, Education Building, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange. Here is a .pdf from the Essex County Clerk's Office with early-voting center information.

The South Mountain center will be open:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, October 22-24: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 25: Closed; Newark Office is open
Friday, October 26: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, October 29: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 30: Closed; Newark Office is open
Wednesday, October 31: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, November 1: 11:30 a.m – 7 p.m.
Friday, November 2: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, November 3: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, November 5: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Early voting continues to be available at the Essex County Hall of Records, 465 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Room 247, Newark. Hours at Newark are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Monday, November 5, early voting in Newark closes at 3 p.m.

Election day is Tuesday, November 6.