Be A Calm Presence at the Polls

Crisis Watch Oct. 22, 2020

by

As we head into the last two weeks before Election Day Nov. 3, a new report from a watchdog group provides an opportunity for United Methodists to play a role in protecting voters’ rights.

A new report by ACLED, a crisis-mapping project, and the research group MilitiaWatch pinpoint five states — Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Oregon — as having “the highest risk of seeing increased militia activity around the elections: everything from demonstrations to violence,” according to National Public Radio.

“Their report looks at states where militias have had recruitment drives and training, where they have cultivated relationships with law enforcement and where there has been substantial engagement in anti-coronavirus-lockdown protests,” NPR continued.

“… And voting rights activists say they worry that the attention generated by the militias could depress voter turnout. They say that even if there is an increased risk of militia activity, it is important to keep it in perspective.

“The risk, says Gerry Hebert of the Campaign Legal Center, is that people may be afraid to go to the polls if there is too much hype around militia rhetoric.

"’It is designed to maybe keep people from showing up because they fear that there might be some activity, when, in fact, it's just a chilling commentary,’ he told NPR.”

So what can United Methodists do about such a fraught situation? For starters, we can encourage people to vote and offer to accompany them to the polls if they’re apprehensive. We can offer rides to and from the polls and escort people peacefully into polling stations. We can debunk the misinformation being spread about the integrity of the election – that it is rigged and that voter fraud is widespread. Neither of those statements is true.

And we can vote throughout the rest of early voting in many states whether in person or by mail-in ballot. If early voting isn’t an option, then be sure to get out and vote on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Through Oct. 22, more than 42 million U.S. citizens had cast their ballots. We feel sure plenty of United Methodists were among them. Let’s keep praying for a good turnout and a peaceful transition of power.

Lest we forget …

… The reason for much of the anxiety about voting this year comes not from threats of physical disruption or violence, but from the little bug that causes COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. People have been reluctant to brave crowds on Election Day for fear of infection, so millions have opted instead to submit mail-in ballots or to vote early in states that allow advance voting.

Here’s the reason behind the reason as of Oct. 21, thanks to the folks at Johns Hopkins University who are tracking the coronavirus:

Global: Total confirmed cases: 40.63 million; deaths: 1.12 million

U.S.: Total confirmed cases: 8.26 millon; deaths: 221,000

In other COVID-19 news:

  • The Washington Post reports that the coronavirus has caused about 299,000 more U.S. deaths than would be expected annually. Two-thirds of that total are from COVID-19. It looks like COVID-19 will be the third leading cause of 2020 U.S. deaths after heart disease and cancer.
  • The Post also reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued new guidelines recommending passengers and workers on public transportation, including buses, trains, airplanes and other modes of transport, wear masks to limit the spread of the coronavirus. A stronger mandatory version of this guideline, which would have required masks as requested by transportation unions and industry leaders, was blocked by the White House.

Please remember: in-person worship services remain a threat as “superspreader events.” Unless your sanctuary is large enough for sufficient physical distancing and has ample ventilation, please continue to worship online and to adapt activities to outdoor events with sufficient COVID-19 safety precautions.

Media Mentions as of Oct. 21, 2020

The Giving Grove extends its reach in the fight against food insecurity – Kansas City Pitch

How QAnon uses satanic rhetoric to set up a narrative of 'good vs. evil' – Religion News Service

Colorado’s COVID-19 restrictions on churches violate Constitution, federal judge rules – The Denver Post *

At least 18 West Virginia COVID-19 outbreaks linked to church services, governor says – CNN

Pastors question health officials’ treatment of churches during coronavirus pandemic – The Orange County Register *

Pope endorses same-sex civil unions in new documentary film – The Associated Press

Omaha spiritual leaders react to pope's endorsement of same-sex civil unions – KMTV - 3 News Now

She’s evangelical, ‘pro-life’ and voting for Biden: Billy Graham’s granddaughter says, this president doesn’t represent our faith – The New York Times *

Zimbabwe: Africa University Holds Virtual Graduation – AllAfrica.com

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Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.