Rockland Writes: Why This Year’s “Unimportant” Election Still Matters for Our Community

If you’ve looked at this year’s local ballot and thought, “There’s nothing exciting on there, why bother?” you’re not alone. In Monsey and throughout Rockland County, this year’s election doesn’t include any of the high-profile races, no governor, no assemblyman, no state senator, and even the few important positions being decided are running unopposed.

But here’s the catch: what happens this year directly affects how much influence our community has in next year’s election, and that one will matter.

In 2026, voters across New York will choose a governor, members of the State Assembly, State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and the State Attorney General, along with other key offices that impact everything from school funding and security grants to transportation and taxes. Campaign strategists, elected officials, and their staff are already analyzing voter-turnout data from 2024 and 2025 to decide where to invest time, attention, and resources next year.

That means when an area shows strong turnout, even in a so-called “quiet” election, it sends a clear message:

This is an engaged community. These voters show up. Their concerns matter.

And when a community’s numbers are low, it risks being overlooked, no matter how many people live there or how many schools and shuls it contains.

We’ve seen this play out on every level. Whether it’s the White House or Albany, leaders respond to active voters. Just yesterday, President Trump posted about Lakewood’s Orthodox Jewish community, praising its turnout and engagement. That post made one thing very clear: everyone knows who’s voting, and that awareness shapes policy, priorities, and attention.

So yes, this year’s ballot might not be thrilling. But casting a vote this week is an investment in our community’s influence. It ensures that when 2026 arrives and the big races begin, Monsey’s numbers will demand attention, and our priorities will stay on the agenda.

Vote now. Be counted. Because in politics, the communities that show up are the ones that get heard.

-Avi Goldstein