Voting may be the most important place for us to live into God’s call for a flourishing world. When we vote, we have the power to address various issues directly mentioned in scripture. The issues facing our communities and our country matter. We can elect representatives and leaders who will pursue a just society through honest channels.
With our partners, the North Carolina Council of Churches is focused on voter registration and voter turnout. We’re asking our denominational leaders to remind their congregational members of the rights and responsibilities of having the privilege to vote in the democracy that is the United States of America.
Overview
The North Carolina Council of Churches believes strongly that voting is one of our paramount duties as citizens. The Council also recognizes that in North Carolina, election laws have been changed in ways that may hinder some citizens from voting and thus make it harder for them to choose leaders who will look out for their interests.
Those interests include adequate investment in our schools and universities.
In health programs that meet the needs of rich and poor alike.
In a fair, efficient court system.
In programs to fight pollution of our air and water.
They include adequate investment, we can say, in the entire scope of public efforts to make North Carolina a place where decent opportunities to live prosperous, healthy, fulfilling lives are available to each and every one of us, no matter where we live or our social standing.
This is the core principle of social justice that lies at the heart of the Christian tradition, and that drives our involvement in the public arena. The Council now calls on those people of faith who belong to its member organizations and on all people of goodwill to act in response to new voting rules that could make social justice more elusive.
Council Resources
Faithful Voter Reflection Guide
With this resource, readers will dive deep into the heart of faith and civic duty, exploring how our beliefs shape the choices we make at the ballot box.
Guided by scripture, this guide empowers you to engage meaningfully with the pressing issues facing North Carolina today. Discover how your vote can be a powerful tool for shaping a more just society, one that enables every individual to flourish according to their God-given potential.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of faith and policy, sparking discussions, inspiring reflections, and fostering discernment within our families, congregations, and communities.
Bulletin Inserts
As we approach the upcoming elections, we believe every member of our community must be informed and engaged in the voting process. To assist you, we have prepared bulletin inserts containing vital voting information that you can easily include in your church’s bulletins. Access the bulletin inserts here.
Vetting the Vote
The Council published a series of pieces around the 2018 elections highlighting important issues people of faith should keep in mind when they cast their ballots. Many of the issues are still impacting our communities to this day.
- Vetting the Vote: Gun Sanity
- On the Ballot: Harmful Changes to State Constitution
- Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture
- Vetting the Vote: Climate Change
- Vetting the Vote: Support N.C. Workers
- Vetting the Vote: Medicaid Expansion
- Statement of Opposition to Constitutional Amendments
- Vetting the Vote
Worship Resources
A Prayer for Those Who Vote
Voting may be the most important place for us to live into God’s call for a flourishing world. As we approach election day, join us in prayer, seeking guidance and wisdom for our leaders and for all those who will participate in the democratic process.
Unitarian Universalist Prayers for Elections
Educational Materials
Election Activities for Faith Communities from Democracy NC
Democracy Statements
The Council takes positions on issues through policy statements that inform, guide, and frame our work. Policy statements are adopted by our governing body, often upon the recommendation of one or more of the Council’s program committees which are made up of representatives of our member bodies.
- Statement of Opposition to Constitutional Amendments (9/18/2018)
- Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote (12/13/2013)
Partner Organizations
Below is a list of our partners statewide with a link to their website for more information:
The Carter Center
Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Common Cause NC
League of Women Voters North Carolina
Democracy NC
Ways to Take Action
Become a Vote Protector
Growing threats to election workers, voters, and increases in poll worker shortages pose unique challenges to voters. Join Democracy North Carolina’s nonpartisan Voter Protection program to work to ensure that every eligible voter in our state can register to vote and successfully cast their ballot. Email voteprotector@democracync.org to get involved.