Remembering our right to vote
[10-31-01]
Weekly Message 2001, #34, from the UCC Justice and
Peace Action Network
Election Day 2001 holds special meaning. As we give
new thought to what it means to protect and defend democratic values in
light of the events of Sept. 11th, we will have the opportunity to live
those values as we go to the polling booth on Tuesday.
This year's elections will also mark one year's
passing since the controversy of the 2000 presidential election. There
were high public expectations for addressing crucial issues of election
reform when Congress convened in January. However, despite hearings,
citizen testimony, government reports and numerous legislative
proposals, we find ourselves no closer to addressing flaws in the
election process.
As Election Day 2001 approaches, there are at least
two ways you can contribute to strengthening the democratic process. One
is by being an informed and responsible voter on Tuesday, and
encouraging family members, friends and members of your congregation to
exercise this precious right.
A second way is to contact your members of Congress
and urge them to act now to pass necessary election reform. Congress can
still act on comprehensive election reform legislation that could impact
the next federal election. Urge your members of Congress to support the
Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act of 2001, S. 565 (H.R. 1170 in the
House), sponsored by Senator Christopher Dodd and Representative John
Conyers. The legislation sets minimum standards for states with regard
to voting equipment, training poll workers, absentee and bilingual
ballots, provisional ballots, overseas voters, and voting booth access
for the disabled.
With mail security precautions currently being
implemented in Washington, DC, faxing or e-mailing your message would be
most effective. To find out your members' fax numbers or e-mail
addresses, contact the U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121. You may
also call your members' district offices.
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This weekly message is sent by e-mail each week for
use in church newsletter and bulletins the following Sunday. To add
names to this weekly advocacy service, for more information, or to
remove your name from the list, reply to jpanet@ucc.org.
For additional information on the UCC Justice and Peace Action
Network, log on to the UCC website at www.ucc.org.
