Aligning Values with Votes

Cast your vote, not on a partisan basis, not based on your biases, but vote your values. Vote the values of human dignity and equality. Vote the values of the rock on which this country was built. Vote.   -Presiding Bishop Michael Curry 2024

As people of faith, we are called to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in the political process. Voting is a way to express our hope for a better future, where the needs of the vulnerable are addressed and policies promoting the well-being of all are uplifted. In this election, let us reflect on the teachings that guide our lives—values like love, justice, and mercy—allowing them to inform our decisions.

Participating in the democratic process as a way to live out our values and faith is vital. Voting is a powerful tool for shaping the future of our communities, allowing us to advocate for justice, peace, and the dignity of every person–our values. 

What values? While each person’s values and votes are deeply personal decisions, The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego have, over the years, passed resolutions that highlight the church’s values on key issues. These resolutions offer insight into how our faith intersects with civic life and provide a framework for thoughtful reflection as we approach the polls.

As you consider your choices, here’s a small sampling of resolutions to review:

• Climate and Environment (EDSD Res21-06): Putting the Episcopal Covenant to Care for Creation into practice locally.
• Economic Justice (GC2018-C041): Advocacy for housing, healthcare, and nutrition as human rights for all residents.
• Gun Violence Prevention (GC2024-A166, GC2024-D014): Calling for gun regulation and recognition of gun violence as a public health crisis.
• Housing and Community Investment (GC2018-C041): Affirming housing as a human right and advocating for community support.
• Immigration (EC012018.08): Supporting just treatment for immigrants and the reunification of families.
• Indigenous Rights (EC23 April 2022): Expressing solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and supporting their rights to equal treatment.
• Racial Justice and Healing (2023MBMW004, EDSD Res21-04): Combating bias crimes and supporting efforts to address racism.
• Reproductive Rights (GC2018-D032): Advocating for women’s reproductive health to be treated as a medical right.
• Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity (GC2018-C022): Opposing discrimination and advocating for protections for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

Visit The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations to explore these and many other resolutions on various topics. There, you can download the full “Policy for Action” document.

“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that, it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.” –Presiding Bishop Michael Curry 2024 

Are you looking for ways to promote voter participation in the upcoming 2024 elections? One effective way is to organize a nonpartisan PropTalk in your neighborhood, where you and others can explore the values behind those often-confusing propositions. PropTalks can help ensure everyone is educated about the issues in this year’s ballot. For more information and resources, visit EDSD Civic Life.

With the 2024 elections less than 90 days away, it’s time to take action. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Challenge everyone in your congregation to verify their voter registration, especially young adults. You can check or register at the San Diego Registrar of Voters, or if you’re outside San Diego, visit your local registrar’s website.
• Become a poll worker, even if you can’t vote yet! Or help by offering hospitality at polling places—provide water, childcare, or shade.
• Share important voting information: such as mail-in ballot drop-off locations, early voting dates, and polling locations.
• Spread accurate information using resources from The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations, found here, to promote voter engagement as a reflection of our faith.
• Host non-partisan forums to address polarization or partner with local nonpartisan groups for voter education. The League of Women Voters can assist with Prop Talks and Candidate Forums.
• Finally, pray. Join Bishop Susan Brown Snook on October 1 for a Voter Participation Initiative prayer service. 

Your faith can move you to action. Let’s work together for a free, fair, and peaceful election.