I remember the first time I voted in a national election. I was filled with hope for what our democratic country could be and the blessed innocence that comes with being young. Voting, as I had learned, was an almost sacred responsibility. The civic duty entrusted to a citizen to freely participate in the choosing of one’s own government. One of the best things about freedom in the United States of America is our right to vote.
Of course, such a freedom was not always guaranteed in this country. Voting was first permitted to only White, male property owners over the age of 21 before it was, very slowly, extended to include Black people, women, the poor, and other minority groups. It has been fought over in our legislatures, courts, churches, and battlefields since our nation’s founding. Unfortunately, the right to vote is still a contested issue even today.
The Episcopal Church understands voting as “an act of Christian stewardship”. It is a way that we put our faith into action and resist the temptation to merely be bystanders in our needy world. A way that we live into the promises we make in Holy Baptism and enact our love for creation, created, and arguably, our Creator.
With ballots already being mailed and voting day coming up on November 3, I encourage each of us to prayerfully participate in this cornerstone of our democracy. You can check out all kinds of resources on voting through our national church website here, including ways to register, pray, and support others. And, if you’re interested in learning more about local, nonpartisan ballot 101 events, please email me.
From our Book of Common Prayer, please join me in praying for our election:
“Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
The Reverend Deacon Jack Karn