SOCIAL JUSTICE & ADVOCACY UPDATE October 8, 2020

Maine Episcopalians Vote RESOURCES FROM THE RECONCILIATION, JUSTICE, AND CREATION CARE TEAM From The Pew to the Public Square New resources for Episcopalians taking up Presiding Bishop Curry's charge for Episcopal faith communities to live out our public witness and sacred values. “From The Pew to the Public Square” provides quick coaching in moral agency, discernment, and decision making for social and community social change. Download From The Pew To the Public Square Resource Booklet covering 5 Ways Episcopalians can make social change. Voting Our Creation Care Values Practice care of creation by engaging in the election process with these resources on creation care and the 2020 election. EQUALLY SACRED PRIORITIES SCORECARD FOR VOTERS IN THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Faith does not fit into political parties neatly. Still, we are called to engage in politics. This is no small feat. It requires us to be informed, to develop our conscience, to connect with like-minded people, and listen to those who think differently. We invite you to consider this information prayfully:  Equally Sacred Scorecard FIGHT FOR OUR DEMOCRACY Faithful Democracy is a multi-faith community of organizations and congregations who share the moral imperative of fixing our democracy. They support a broad array of democracy reforms to create fair, functional, and healthy democratic systems that align more closely with our founding democratic ideals and which are more reflective of our citizenry. The network originated with faith-based advocacy of the “Religious Leaders for Campaign Finance Reform” which was instrumental in the passage of McCain-Feingold in 2002. The network has activated around issues from campaign finance reform to voting rights protections; safe elections in COVID-19 to support of good governance policies. Click here to join in "building the foundation for a more perfect union". ELECTIONS 2020 The Episcopal Church and the 2020 U. S. Elections: An Overview of Resources The Office of Government Relations has created a comprehensive suite of resources for advocacy, the U.S. Election, and 2020 Census engagement. Central to election engagement are the “Vote Faithfully” resources built up over the course of several election cycles and in coalition with ecumenical partners. These resources are designed for use year-round, emphasizing messaging that is non-partisan and informed. As the United States gets closer to Election Day, November 3rd, The Episcopal Church will continue to release new resources, including an ongoing educational series on the basics of the election process and transition of power. To explore these resources, begin at the Office of Government Relations’ Civic Engagement page or visit the links provided below:  Vote Faithfully Election Engagement Toolkit Released in February 2020, and revised to accommodate COVID-19 precautions, this toolkit helps Episcopalians prepare for the election. Plan Your Vote Research shows that having a plan to vote increases the likelihood of voting. Use this guide to create your voting plan.  Vote Faithfully swag Stickers, magnets and pins are available for order. Email EPPN. Faith and Citizenship Guide: A Guide to Effective Advocacy for Episcopalians This updated guide provides concrete suggestions for how to engage in advocacy, during election and non-election years. Poll worker recruitment There is significant concern of a lack of poll workers because of the risk of COVID-19 and the history of the majority of poll workers coming from older, higher-risk demographics. Those in lower-risk categories are encouraged to become poll workers! Voting while experiencing homelessness A brief resource highlighting specific tips for voting while homeless Election Series Follow this series on the 2020 Census and future elections, election security, transition of power, and more. Bulletin inserts from Sermons That Work Guest writers from throughout The Episcopal Church have prepared reflections for the four Sundays leading up to Election Day on November 3rd. Season of Prayer: For an Election Prayer is action. Join other Episcopalians in a prayer novena developed by Forward Movement to encourage prayerful reflection throughout the days around Election Day.

TOOLS FOR MAINERS VOTING ABSENTEE

SECRETARY OF STATE MATTHEW DUNLAP ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW ABSENTEE BALLOT OPTION AND TOOL

TRACK THE STATUS OF YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT ONLINE A new service was launched this year that allows voters to track the status of their absentee ballot. The Absentee Ballot Request Status service (https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl) is now live, located at the top of the online absentee ballot request page. Any voter who has requested an absentee ballot can now track the status of their request, and of the ballot itself, through the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. "This tracker will give voters peace of mind knowing that their ballot is on its way, and later, that their ballot has been safely received and accepted by the municipal clerk," said Secretary Dunlap. Voters can request an absentee ballot via the online service or directly with their municipal clerk through Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020; or in-person with the municipal clerk through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. All ballots must be in hand with the municipal clerk no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Secretary Dunlap launches absentee ballot tracking service Back to current news. September 28, 2020 Secretary of State Contact: Kristen Schulze Muszynski, Office: 626-8404 AUGUSTA - Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is launching a new online service today that will allow voters to track the status of... Read more www.maine.gov

ACCESSIBLE ABSENTEE BALLOT OPTION The Accessible Absentee Ballot (https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl) is now one of the options on the online absentee ballot request page for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. The Department of the Secretary of State developed this new service in coordination with Maine's online service provider, InforME, with input from advocates at Disability Rights Maine. It is intended for voters with print disabilities, which may include vision impairment or blindness, physical dexterity limitations, learning disabilities or cognitive impairment, all of which prevent the individual from independently marking a paper ballot. In addition to the accessible absentee ballot, the State provides the Accessible Voting System (https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter-info/accessiblevoting.html) ballot-marking device at every polling place on Election Day, which allows any voter to use a touchscreen or controller pad/audio to independently mark their ballot.

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