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The right to vote matters

Congress acts on right to vote

“People of faith see fair representation, the right to vote, and accountability for elected leaders as moral issues of utmost importance,” says  Susan Henry-Crowe,  General Secretary of the UMC’s Board of Church and Society.

SUSAN HENRY-CROWE
General Board of Church & Society

We stand in a most critical moment in United States history. Democracy is threatened by the many attempts, at every level of government, to suppress the vote.

People of faith see fair representation, voting rights, and accountability for elected leaders as moral issues of utmost importance. Common sense reforms that modernize voter registration for all, provide for transparency in financing campaigns, and uphold ethics provisions will help us restore faith in election integrity.

Our United Methodist positions say that a fair and inclusive democracy is about dignity for all. I ask that you support the passage of legislation that upholds and makes available free and transparent access for citizens to exercise their right to vote, works for real campaign finance reform, and restores integrity and standards for the work of public officials across all levels of government in the U.S.

What is Happening to the vote?

Across the United States voting rights are threatened, with attempts being made to suppress the vote. On May 14, 2021 the Brennan Center for Justice reported there are

389 bills with restrictive provisions in 48 states. Twenty-two bills with restrictive provisions have already been enacted. In addition, at least 61 bills with restrictive provisions in 18 states are moving through legislatures: 31 have passed at least one chamber, while another 30 have had some sort of committee action (e.g., a hearing, an amendment, or a committee vote).

These bills, either enacted or pending, jeopardize voting rights. The time is now to support the For the People Act. Churches, individual members, Sunday School classes, and United Methodist leaders are calling for us to stand together to urge Congress to pass the For the People Act. United Methodists must stand together.

We call on Congress to stand with the people by passing the For the People Act in order to protect voting rights and to protect democracy.  Call your representatives and tell them to support the For the People Act.

Resources and Talking Points on the right to vote

Talking points and resources are available at the following links for you, your congregations, your friends.

Webinar
Church and Society’s discussion of “Suppressed: The Right to Vote”(2020)

Faith in Action stories and statements:
Young United Methodists call voting an act of faith
From the Desk of essay on Democratic Engagement: Bearers of the Light
Hope, Act, Vote: In Memory of John Lewis

Education:
Free and Fair Elections Talking Points
Voting Rights webinar
Creating Change Together: Civic engagement toolkit
How faith communities can engage in the electoral process
Why United Methodists care about voting

Advocacy:
Issue Page: What the UMC believes about the right to vote
Action Alert: Support Free, Fair and Safe Elections
Action Alert: Tell Congress to Ensure an Accurate Census!

Last Updated on October 31, 2023

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The Michigan Conference