Voting

Thinking About Voting

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"Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender." - Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General

"Voting is a great way to put your faith and values into action. It is never too early to start making your plan to vote." -submitted by Joe L.

[ photo credit ]

Precinct Caucus Night

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[ In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and broken, many of us feel helpless and afraid. We may question what we can do to make a difference. To build collective courage, in this space we will share examples of how individual members of GEC are practicing the way of Jesus, in private action or in the public arena. How might you find inspiration and hope in the small steps others are taking? ]

"This year I took the opportunity to participate in the Minnesota precinct caucus process. Although not the first time for me it’s actually been about 20 years since I last attended one. What I saw this year was incredible."

"Reporting reveals Minnesota precinct caucuses on February 3, 2026, saw a significant, historic increase in attendance for both DFL and Republican parties across the state, exceeding typical midterm turnout with many first-time attendees. High engagement was driven by local and national issues, resulting in packed, standing-room-only locations. It was encouraging to see this at my own caucus location in Minneapolis. We ran out of chairs."

"The political process is one way that we can put our faith and values into action. I was encouraged to see such participation with my own eyes. Coming soon: voting in primary elections!" --submitted by Joe L.

Pro-Democracy

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[In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and broken, many of us feel helpless and afraid. We may question what we can do to make a difference. To build collective courage, in this space we will share examples of how individual members of GEC are practicing the way of Jesus, in private action or in the public arena. How might you find inspiration and hope in the small steps others are taking?]

"Over the last ten months I’ve worked to become more involved in actions to help promote democracy in our country. My reason for doing so is due to trying to counteract with action the anxiety I feel about our fragile democracy. This past election day, November 4, I had the opportunity to volunteer here at Grace Episcopal Church as a lobby host to help greet voters, help them find their way around the building, and help with security issues."

"During my shift I interacted with many voters including a woman and a man who walked in together. I greeted them and pointed them in the direction of the check in table. The man went in and the woman stepped aside and told me that she had already voted earlier in the day. She said she had helped her friend get registered to vote and was bringing him in to provide moral support. Judging by her expression she seemed quite happy to do so and help someone to engage with the process."

"Voting is one of the most basic ways we can put our faith into action. I found it impressive that she was putting her own values into action by encouraging someone to vote and help them get registered." -Submitted by Joe L.

Voting for the Common Good

element5-digital-ls8Kc0P9hAA-unsplash[In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and broken, many of us feel helpless and afraid. We may question what we can do to make a difference. To build collective courage, in this space we will share examples of how individual members of GEC are practicing the way of Jesus, in private action or in the public arena. How might you find inspiration and hope in the small steps others are taking?]

"As I write this on the morning of Tuesday, November 4th, I'm looking forward to exercising my right to vote for elected officials in the city of Minneapolis. Why do I consider voting an essential way of putting my faith in action? The National Council of Churches offers an answer which resonates with me strongly. It is found on their webpage: 'As a part of our stewardship in a democracy, Christians have an obligation to make the most educated decision possible about who will represent our concerns on the local, state, and national levels. The voting booth is how we can participate in making sure there are leaders who will enact laws for the common good that do justice and love mercy; care for the most vulnerable in our society; ensure, to the extent possible, that our government lives up to this nation’s ideals by the people and for all the people; and, perhaps most significantly, hold leaders accountable.'" Submitted by Joe L.