This is the first time your MesaZona blogger has ever seen a religion-based news organization featuring only Mormon church members who are elected government officials here in Arizona.
If this is a Get-Out-The-Vote campaign it's good to know if any other religion-based or faith-based groups are doing this. [ Please comment below ]
LDS Elected Officials Discuss Voting and Other Ways of Being a Good Citizen
It starts off like this: [with some added underlined emphasis] and right in the first sentence is a serious fundamental misunderstanding that we are "subject to government leaders". Wrong! Those who get elected serve the interests of the public, all of the public not just a sub-culture representing 6% of the population.
"We believe in obeying the law and being subject to government leaders. What a gift it is to have a say in which laws we must uphold and who governs us in this remarkable country.
Several LDS elected officials in Arizona, representing both major parties, consider different aspects of voting and serving according to our own conscience and interests.
Several LDS elected officials in Arizona, representing both major parties, consider different aspects of voting and serving according to our own conscience and interests.
Mesa Mayor John Giles (R) says
"The LDS community has a pretty good record of high voter turnout, but I think we need to remind ourselves that it’s important to do our homework and be informed voters.”
U.S. Senator Jeff Flake (R) says: “I encourage all eligible voters to exercise that privilege. . . Our democracy relies on the wisdom and resolve of its citizens to hold our leaders accountable and set the course for the future."
Gilbert Town Council member Jenn Daniels (R) adds that it’s important to vote for more than just a presidential candidate. Voters can support or oppose local candidates and initiatives. “This is the government closest to the people, and in most cases, where your vote has the most influence.”
“Some people get annoyed and stomp their feet, but they don’t do much to help the election process,” says Arizona Republican Party Chairman Robert Graham. “The fastest, easiest venue for somebody to get engaged is by helping a specific candidate.”
In addition to voting there's some more encouragement
Volunteers can assist in ways such as making phone calls, offering financial donations, or by simply displaying yard signs.
Gilbert Mayor John Lewis (R) says, “Even if not yet 18, youth can be involved with campaigns. I encourage them to do so.” The mayor himself enjoyed being part of a campaign at age 17.
Many good citizens want to make a significant difference in their communities, but can’t muster up any interest in politics beyond voting.
Former Arizona State Senator Dr. Edward Ableser (D) has a suggestion: “People can volunteer with various service organizations.”
You can be involved with the legislative process from your own home!
The Right To Speak system found at www.azleg.gov allows citizens to give state legislators personal opinions about specific bills online.
However you serve, include voting. Mayor Lewis adds that “The habit of voting blesses the whole community.” Make it a family tradition.
“As party lines become more polarized, our general public has become more complacent about having their voice heard,” says Tempe School Board member Bishop Evan Rogers (D). “We need to exercise our freedom of speech now more than ever.”
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