The Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) this morning published a Newsletter about Voting Rights that is very informative about the changes that the Supreme Court decision announced yesterday will make. Given the seriousness of the topic we are forwarding the full newsletter for those who do not subscribe to the EPPN newsletter:

Stepping Up for Democracy: The Episcopal Church and Voting Rights

The Episcopal Church’s General Convention has consistently expressed support for fair and free elections and has opposed efforts to suppress the voting rights of United States citizens. The recent Supreme Court Louisiana v. Callais decision further weakens the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations continues to engage Episcopalians in support of voting rights and civic engagement. 

To bolster democracy in the United States, we in The Episcopal Church call for an expansion of voter registration, protection of voter eligibility, and making the voting processes more accessible. We oppose efforts that undermine democratic processes, including legislation like the SAVE America Act, which would limit access to the polls by implementing overly restrictive voter ID requirements, thus disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.  

As states and territories continue to manage their elections independently, eligible voters experience a mixture of expanding or restricting voting rights depending on where they live. As the threat of disinformation grows, understanding what voting rights to advocate for and how to conduct voter engagement with accuracy and trust are essential skills for navigating this moment. 

In the lead-up to the 2026 midterms, we will be releasing additional “Vote Faithfully” resources to encourage the church in nonpartisan voter engagement. Our goal is to help people prepare to vote, inspire voting among Episcopalians, and help congregations play a role in encouraging their neighbors to vote. In addition to reading through Episcopal Church resolutions (see below), churches can get started with these efforts by promoting and sharing resources from nonpartisan organizations like www.vote.org and the Civic Holidays. 

General Convention Resolutions 

• 2024-C026: Preserve Religious Liberty 
• 2024-A081: Combat Rising Religious Nationalism 
• 2022-C054: Advocate for Legislation to Protect and Expand Voting Rights and Access 
• 2022-D043: Call on Congress to Abolish or Modernize the Electoral Count Act of 1887 
• 2022-D063: Support Policies to Combat Media Disinformation 
• 2018-A230: Condemn Unjust Scapegoating 
• 2018-B002: Advocate for Transparency and Anti-Corruption Efforts 
• 2018-B009: Encourage Study and Practice of Civil Discourse and Bipartisanship 
• 2018-C047: Support Voting Reforms that Achieve “One Person, One Vote” 
• 2018-D003: Call on Governments to Cease Voter Suppression and Increase Voter Participation 
• 2018-D071: Encourage Development of Grassroots Advocacy Networks 
• 2018-D096: Urge Advocacy for Good Governance and Fair Participation 
• 2015-A011: Urge Advocacy for Policy Changes to End Mass Incarceration Practices 
• 2012-C033: Support Voting Rights and Representation for the District of Columbia

Executive Council Resolves 

• 102021.14: Authorize Advocacy for Voting Rights Protection 
• 022020.31: Support for Measures to Ensure Free and Fair Elections 
• 102017.16: Fair and Equitable Representation for American Voters 
• 062016.07: Support for Campaign Finance Reform 
• 102013.06: Support for Restoration of the Voting Rights Act 
• 041991.08: Support for Federal Campaign Finance Reform

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

*** Additional Information *** 

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations can be followed on social media @TheEPPN or accessed at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/migration-refugees-immigration/

You are also invited to join our Thursday evening Non-violent Living gatherings at 6:30 PM Pacific Time on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L9FuXM_ET2-vNS4rFbH0xQ You will be asked to register, then transferred to the event. These will be happening through May 21, 2026.

~ Gerti Reagan Garner