Sporting an \u201cI voted\u201d\u009d sticker yet? On Tuesday, Nov. 4, many citizens across the United States will head to the polls. Others will stay at home, arguing, \u201cMy vote won\u2019t make a difference.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
However, two young United Methodist pastors beg to differ.<\/p>\n
The Rev. Elizabeth Murray, a provisional deacon in the South Carolina Conference, is director of Hispanic ministries at Mount Hebron United Methodist Church, West Columbia, South Carolina, and a Hispanic\/Latino ministry consultant to the conference Office of Congregational Development.<\/p>\n
\u201cI vote,\u201d\u009d she says, \u201cbecause I know voting can make a difference in my community, nation and the lives of others. I vote, not only because it is my civic duty as a United States citizen, but also because I have vowed, as a Christian, to do no harm and to do good. I vote to protect the rights of \u201d\u201d and promote equality for \u201d\u201d women. I vote to make sure everyone has equal access to the right to vote. I vote for my voice to be heard on comprehensive immigration reform.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n