Tell the Senate To Protect Our Sacred Right to Vote
The United Methodist Church calls for a vision of beloved community founded on economic and racial justice, including strengthening voting rights protections.
As United Methodists we “hold governments responsible for the protection of the rights of the people to free and fair elections” believing that “the form and the leaders of all governments should be determined by exercise of the right to vote guaranteed to all adult citizens.” (2016 Book of Discipline, ¶164A)
In the United States, generations of advocates fought to expand the right to vote beyond the original electorate of land-owning white men. And despite constitutional guarantees, this right to vote continues to be under attack by ever-shifting tactics that suppress voter turnout and disenfranchise communities of color. In response to the continued systemic racism that undermines the guarantee of the right to vote to all citizens, The United Methodist Church specifically calls for re-instating and strengthening voting rights protections. (2016 Book of Resolutions 3378: Racism and Economic Justice Against People of Color).
Take Action
Two bills - the Freedom to Vote Act (S.2747) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (S.4) - have been introduced in the U.S. Senate to make sure that the right to vote is protected.
The Freedom to Vote Act (S.2747) will set basic federal guidelines that ensure voters are given ample time and means to exercise their right to vote. It will encourage civic participation and promote transparency in our electoral process.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (S.4) is a vital piece of legislation that protects the civil liberties and civil rights of minorities – particularly African Americans and Native Americans – who have been historically discriminated against by unjust voting laws. The bill will expand preclearance to all states that have a record of discrimination, and it is also designed to protect poll workers and their families from harassment.
Contact your U.S. Senators today and urge them to support legislation that upholds the right to vote.
