“Voting is a civic sacrament”
-Theodore Hesburgh
Dear Friends,
It is a longstanding tradition that non-partisan groups across the spectrum help foster democracy by encouraging people to vote.
The last few years have upended nearly every aspect of the way in which we live, including in to the civic processes around voting.
That is why this year, these non-partisan efforts are even more essential to ensuring that every vote is counted, so that everyone who wishes to participate can have their voice heard.
We call upon all Arizonans, candidates, and elected officials, Democrats, Republicans and Independents, to recommit to our nation’s core democratic principles. This includes opposing violence, voter suppression, and voter intimidation around the elections.
In the case of contested or close elections, we ask for patience, calm, and trust in the system, as we wait for every valid vote to be counted.
Remember: We may not know the results on Election Day, or even days to come, and that’s okay and normal. It is vital that all votes be counted.
We ask civic and faith leaders to set a standard of discourse, oppose violence and encourage peaceful engagement in the political process. Together, we must sustain and carry out these ideals and principles at this critical moment in our history.
Democracy is the core of what we stand for, and it is on all of us to renew this sacred civic covenant.
Sincerely,
Paul Rockower, Executive Director
Amanda Garcia, Associate Director
Alan Zeichick, Board Chair
The Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Relations Council