[ 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 we approach the midterm elections you may have heard some discussion around vote tampering and voting interference. Massive in-person voter turn out is one way to mitigate the threat. Simon Rosenberg of the Hopium Chronicles explains why.

According to him, voting early will get you off the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) rolls. This gives a campaign the opportunity to more quickly determine who they don’t need to contact and it allows them more time to focus on people who haven’t voted yet. If you’re off the rolls you should stop getting calls and door knocks and the campaign can focus on reaching lower propensity voters. This is important, especially in a midterm election, as there are more episodic voters who aren’t as sure they are going to vote compared to a presidential year. This helps the GOTV folks to encourage and increase overall voter turnout.

Early in-person voting also gives lower propensity voters an chance to see growing momentum for the election potentially increasing the likelihood that they will actually vote.

So, if you’re looking for an easy way to bring your faith and values into the public arena and help increase turnout, get out and vote early and in-person. (Of course, that may not be an option for everyone so the most important thing is to vote no matter how you do it.)

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Tags: Voting, Faith in action

[ 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? ]

We are living in an era where there are efforts to take voting rights away from citizens. This is an issue of social justice.

It's never too early to prepare to exercise your right to vote! Can you believe the November elections are now just under 5 months away? The iwllvote.com website gives information on a) checking the status of your ballot b) checking to find out if you are registered to vote c) registering to vote d) voting by mail e) voting while living abroad and f) other general information about voting.

The best time to prepare to vote was yesterday. The second best time is today!

Check out the website: iwillvote.com

You can also call the Minnesota voter hotline at 1 (833) 335-8683.

Put your faith into action and VOTE!!

-submitted by Joe L.

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Tags: Faith in action, Voting

[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?]

Voting rights are under attack!

The All Roads Lead to South website says:

"Our parents and grandparents marched, organized, bled, and won. The Voting Rights Act was theirs. The fight to keep it is ours."

"Right now, state by state, that law is being dismantled. We know that we cannot fight the same battles the same way. New times demand new tactics — economic pressure, political organizing, community action, culture, and faith. But we know what we know: organizing works. And we have unfinished business."

Check out their website at allroadsleadtothesouth.org

The site covers ways to volunteer, organize locally, stay updated, and check your own voting status all in the effort to preserve voting rights.

—Joe Lex

[ photo credit ]

Tags: Voting, Faith in action

[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?]

"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 ]

Tags: Faith in action, Voting

[ 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.

Tags: politics, Voting, Faith in action

[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.

Tags: Faith in action, Voting

[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.

Tags: Faith in action, Voting