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Principled Voter Part 1: Voting
Welcome to our Principled Voter series, which helps voters better understand the problems affecting both themselves and others in our society — and then vote in ways that work toward solutions. Principled voters are Golden Rule voters. They ask if their vote will harm others or leave people behind. Principled voters use their vote to protect others and create a better future. Here is one issue to consider as you become a principled voter. “Making sure you are registered to vote and informed on the issues may be the most patriotic thing you could ever do.” — Susan Madsen A principled voter first asks, “Will my candidates protect the votes…
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Are You a Principled Voter?
What is a principled voter? It’s someone who understands the problems affecting both themselves and others in our society — and votes in a way to work toward solutions to those problems. As we head into election season, consider these questions and how your vote can impact your community and nation. Will your vote harm others or leave them behind? Which issues are most important to you? Why? What issues do you consider critical for our nation to address right now? Do you try to understand the complexities of an issue? Why might good, well-informed people feel differently than you do? The posts below go into more depth on issues,…
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A Primer on the Utah Fair Districting Litigation
In the speech that resurrected his political career, Abraham Lincoln argued that Americans must “[a]llow ALL the governed an equal voice in the government, and that, and that only is self-government.” Similarly, the Utah State Constitution Article 1, Section 2 establishes that “[a]ll political power is inherent in the people; and all free governments are founded on their authority for their equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform their government as the public welfare may require.” The vote is the critical mechanism that enables self-government and preserves citizen capacity to direct, alter, or reform their government. Drawing congressional maps: fair districting vs. gerrymandering Voting…
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Voter Registration Flow Chart
This year will be marked by the midterm elections. While these are often overlooked or dismissed as unimportant, they are likely more consequential in our daily lives than other elections. Midterms focus more on our representation at state and local levels. We believe electoral systems should be structured to maximize the greatest participation, but no matter how robust the process is, it is meaningless without participation. The first step to participating in the electoral process is to be registered to vote. Depending on where you live, this may be a simple process that can be completed online, or it may require gathering identifying information and submitting your registration in person…
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The Afghan Adjustment Act: Frequently Asked Questions
As Mormon Women for Ethical Government, one of our Principles of Ethical Government states that “people have moral responsibilities to provide succor and relief to [our] fellow human beings fleeing war, violence, persecution, and natural disasters, regardless of their race, nationality, or religion (see Leviticus 19:33-34, Matthew 25:31-40, and Alma 27:21-24).” We invite our legislators to join our compassionate army of Americans, veterans, nonprofits, and businesses who are choosing to acknowledge the debt we owe to our Afghan allies by working tirelessly to welcome them with open arms. We call for a clear pathway to legal permanent residency and a right to work for our new neighbors with the Afghan…
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Harkin Filibuster Reform Proposal
Former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin has been pushing for filibuster reform for more than 20 years. During his 30 years of public service, he experienced the Senate from the perspective of both majority and minority control. Harkin first introduced filibuster reform in 1995, when his party was in the minority — defying the conventional support of the filibuster by minority leadership. This article reviews his proposed reform and then digs a little deeper into the reasons for his proposal. Harkin’s proposal This proposal would amend the Standing Rules of the Senate to permit a decreasing majority of senators to invoke cloture (end filibuster and move legislation forward toward a vote)…
