Race, religion, income, education level, gender, carceral status, sexual identity, or geographical location should have no effect on a person’s right to vote. Democratic representation is enshrined in our constitution and reflects our values that every person has equal worth and dignity in the eyes of our Creator.
While these ideals were with us since our nation’s founding, we lament and repent from a long history of failing to live up to those ideals. As religious leaders, we believe it is imperative that we look clearly at our history, acknowledge our failures and work together to create a “more perfect union.”
We believe in the inherent right of each person to participate in our democratic processes as each person contributes to and is affected by the future of our nation. We should take pride in every step we take to ensure greater participation in free and fair elections and condemn any steps taken to limit the casting of a ballot.
Even when elections have not reflected our values or desires we believe they are the bedrock of a functioning pluralistic society. We stand inspired today by those who fought for their right to vote and mourn when we see those hard-won rights rolled back.
Our future as a country depends on this right to vote. Our values compel us to defend that right. We will not forget our past and our failures and refuse to give up hope that we might always do better.