Free, fair elections, including the right of every citizen to cast a ballot that is duly counted, form the bedrock of American democracy. Voting rights are referred to as “the right preservative of all others,” since only through voting can the people of a community peaceably remove leaders who seek to oppress them. The world’s faith traditions collectively affirm voting as a responsibility both civic and spiritual: through voting, we express our preferences for the circumstances our neighbors will live in.
INDIVIDUAL ACTION
Individual civic participation is the primary building block of our democracy, like cells are the primary building blocks of our bodies. Individual actions—like voting and speaking out on issues—may seem small or insignificant, but collectively they drive our policies and our future.
COLLECTIVE ACTION
Congregations and other faith groups can help their members fulfill their civic engagement responsibilities. They also can serve the wider community by opening doors to civic participation.
ADVOCACY 101
Advocacy means using your voice to advance something you care about. In public policy, advocacy means expressing your views in a way that influences policymakers.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Events
NEWS + UPDATES
Show Us the Money
Early voting is underway for May 24 runoffs. History shows how one primary race for a state house seat can create a political tsunami for the entire legislature. Voters, however,...
No One is Coming to Save Us But Us
The “fundamental right” to privacy affects not just the right to an abortion, but the right to contraception and LGBTQ equality. If the Supreme Court of the United States...
Values of the Increment
When the 88th Texas Legislature convenes in 2023, they likely will face major legislation on the issues of public education, LGBTQ rights, and immigration…and how they handle...
Mail Ballot Mysteries
The Texas Secretary of State has released the official numbers of mail-in ballots rejected in the March 1, 2022 party primaries. According to the Secretary of State, 24,363...
Know Your Voting Rights
Voting and Volunteering in Texas Elections
Texas Impact Advocacy Director, attorney Josh Houston, walks through a detailed explanation of recent changes in Texas election law through Senate Bill 1 and potential problems...