Preserve the Integrity of the November 8, 2016 National Elections
There are many specific ways that we as Pax Christi USA members can help our Sisters and Brothers exercise their own rights to vote.
Here are a few of them:
1. Volunteer to be an on-site observer on Election Day. One way of doing so is to sign up with “Election Protection,” the nation’s largest non-partisan voter protection coalition. The mere presence of an on-site observer can operate as a strong deterrent to would-be poll disrupters, as well as a confidence-builder to voters who might otherwise be skittish or uncertain about the voting process.
2. Provide transportation to the polls. Organize a ride pool in your parish or worship community, or offer someone in need of transportation a ride to and from the polling place.
3. Distribute and discuss information in your parish or community, regarding the candidates’ views on key issues. We offer election resources, including the “Pope Francis Voter Guide” on our website. NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, offers many election resources too.
4. Host a debate-watching party, using the resources and information on the website of the League of Women Voters.
5. On Election Day itself, do what you can help the process move smoothly. For example, if a long voting line appears, provide chairs or water to help sustain those waiting to vote.
6. Additionally, in order to protect millions of voters from future attempts at disenfranchisement, in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision weakening the protections of the Voting Rights Act, urge your Congressional Representative to support legislation strengthening protections for the voting process.
Voting is not only a right, but an act that has moral, global consequences. Let us act prayerfully and firmly to ensure that the process, and its results, include –and work for — all.
The Pax Christi Anti-Racism Team came together to respond to the presidential election in the method of Prayer, Study, and Action. To say the least, this election process has been tumultuous. As people of faith, grounded in a spirituality of nonviolence, we hope this three-part message will bring healing, insight, and just action. Monday we shared our Prayer. Wednesday we shared our Study. Today we share our Action. Download the whole Prayer, Study, Action here.