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Editor, Asbury Park Sun,

Chris Smith has been the representative for New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District for 37 years.

That means the people I live with, hang out with, and the majority of people on my social media do not actually know what it’s like to live without Chris Smith as [a] representative. We’ve just always lived in a world where Chris Smith makes decisions that affect us.

I personally know a ton of people that are so jaded by the way things are in our government that they don’t even vote, especially in more local races. And although I highly disagree, I do understand their feelings behind it. To so many millennials, it seems like it doesn’t matter if we vote or not. Not everyone has seen first-hand what the power of getting people out to the polls can do.  I was able to witness it when I worked on Vin Gopal’s recent campaign for Senate. The odds were stacked against Senator-elect Gopal as he faced Jennifer Beck, but his tireless campaign made sure every last person got out there and voted. In the end, especially in Asbury Park, the turn out for Gopal was unprecedented. The hope and belief in change assured Gopal’s victory in Monmouth County.

I was able to realize that change in our politicians and policy isn’t just a pipe dream. It is possible. This is why I co-founded the Asbury Park Women’s Convention, which will take place on Feb 24. I want so badly for other women to see that we can make real change if we come together.

In 2015, Chris Smith voted for allowing bosses to fire women who use birth control. I don’t believe most people in New Jersey, especially young people, want a man in office who holds this belief. This congressional race is the perfect example of another opportunity where millennials can make a huge impact. If every young person who wanted a change actually went out and voted, Chris Smith’s reign would be over.  

If you don’t think a congressional election matters, look at the ridiculous cuts to women’s healthcare in NJ over the last few years. But I warn you — it’s super depressing.

But there’s good news — we can get excited about this race. I will be supporting Navy veteran Josh Welle. We need to take this opportunity to vote out the old and in with the new so people can start trusting the Democratic Party again. I hope our district can get inspired and excited for this election. This has the potential to be historic.

Jess Alaimo

Eighth Avenue

[These letters represents the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here.]

[Photo courtesy of EWTN]

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