New Jersey’s “Vote Labor” Push led by SMART-TD’s Ron Sabol

TRENTON, N.J. — November 4, 2025. (Election Day) 
On this Election Day, one of the most energetic and inspiring Get Out the Vote efforts in the country is being led by none other than SMART-TD’s New Jersey and Delaware Safety and Legislative Director Ron Sabol.  

In addition to his duties with SMART-TD, Brother Sabol serves as Vice President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, the Secretary Treasurer of the Mercer County Central Labor Council, the President of the New Jersey Society for Environmental and Economic Development, and as a member of the Mercer County Advisory Council on Special Transportation.

A Get Out the Vote Effort Rooted in Labor Values 

Brother Sabol’s mission is to put people who come from and stand with labor. This is not about political parties; it’s about principles. It’s about putting people who understand the struggles, values, and dignity of working families into public offices at every level.  

Sabol is campaigning out of IBEW Local 269’s hall in Trenton, New Jersey. He is working with the President of the Mercer County Central Labor Council, Michelle Liebtag (CWA Local 1036), coordinating an impressive, multi-union operation. More than 500 union members organized in two shifts are canvassing neighborhoods, driving voters to the polls, and making calls to ensure labor’s candidates and priorities are well-represented in today’s Garden State elections.  

The morning shift included SMART-TD and SMART members alongside electricians from the IBEW, plumbers and pipefitters, and painters. As the day progressed, reinforcements from AFSCME and the CWA joined for an afternoon push.  

The effort has drawn attention and support from major figures in the state. New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy lent her energy and voice to the during the morning push. Later in the day, Lieutenant Governor candidate Dale Caldwell, who’s running alongside SMART-TD ally Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, joined our volunteers to thank labor members for their dedication and tireless work. 

Liz Shuler, the President of the nation’s Largest Union, the AFL-CIO, got involved in Ron’s effort and came to the IBEW hall to deliver a message to our people to keep the fight up all the way until the polls close tonight.

Supporting Labor Candidates from the Ground Up 

This effort initially began in support of Mikie Sherrill’s gubernatorial campaign, who is a proven ally of New Jersey’s transportation trades workers. Sabol and his team have expanded their focus to campaign for additional labor candidates running at the county, city, and state levels. 

“Ronnie knows that labor’s strength isn’t just in the workplace—it’s at the ballot box,” said Jared Cassity, SMART-TD’s National Safety & Legislative Director. “He’s showing us what it looks like when labor stands together, works together, and votes together.” 

These campaigns support union brothers and sisters who have taken their experience in the labor movement and are now stepping up to lead in public office. 

Leading by Example: A Call to Action 

Our union’s power grows when we engage in our democracy. That means knocking on doors, driving voters to the polls, or even running for office yourself! One great example of this is our SMART Brother out of Sheet Metal Local 27, John Wittington. Brother Wittington is on the ballot in East Windsor, New Jersey, where he is using his know-how as a Business Agent for Local 27 to help his effort to run for Town Council. You don’t have to run for Governor to make a difference! Labor’s voice matters most when it’s active, visible, and united. 

SMART-TD encourages all members who have an interest in public service at any level, from any political party, to reach out to their State Legislative Board or the SMART-TD National Legislative Department for guidance, mentorship, and support.  

Today in Mercer County, the future is being built by union hands and led by one of our own. 
Thank you, Brother Sabol, for showing us what labor leadership looks like in action.