Official Statement From Mormon Women for Ethical Government on the 2018 Midterm Elections

November 7, 2018

Even as final numbers continue to be tallied in some key races, we celebrate record-breaking voter participation in this midterm election and the historic election of more than 100 women to Congress. We are elated by the number of women who broke major barriers to become the first women of their race, ethnicity, religion, or age to have the opportunity to serve in Congress or state offices, and we are eager to support and work with them in creating a more productive, less partisan, more inclusive, and more egalitarian culture in Washington.

The marked rise in civic engagement and voter participation across the country and among most demographics is heartening. At the same time, we are deeply troubled by reported instances of voter suppression, disenfranchisement, failed infrastructure, and unethical practices that call into question the legitimacy of election outcomes. The fact that people employ these practices to explicitly target or disproportionately impact voters based on their race is unconscionable.

If we are to honor the memory of the many Americans who sacrificed so much for this most fundamental right of citizenship, we must eliminate these unethical practices once and for all. We applaud the ongoing efforts of many individuals and organizations across the country to improve voter access and election integrity, and we commit to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these problems are eradicated.

Finally, we express deep concern over the polarization we continue to see in our country, the prevalence of hate-filled rhetoric and fear-mongering as a campaign strategy, and the role of big money in shaping elections. We must do better, and we believe we can. In this spirit, we call upon our elected officials and our fellow citizens to resist the pull of divisive partisanship and instead to raise our voices in a renewed commitment to building unity, creating peace, and fighting for justice.

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Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) is a nonpartisan group dedicated to the ideals of decency, honor, accountability, transparency, and justice in governing. MWEG is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.