"Faithful civic engagement means we show up at the ballot box with our neighbors in mind and with love guiding our choices." – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be active in our communities, working toward justice, peace, and the well-being of our neighbors. One important way we live this out is through voting. Voting is more than a legal right; it’s a way for us to reflect our values and make decisions that shape the future of our communities, state, and nation.
Yet in today’s political climate, things can feel tense. We hear heated, even violent rhetoric, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. But in times like these, we are called to remember Christ’s message of peace. In the midst of anger and division, we are called to be voices of calm and compassion. Our role as people of faith is to work for the common good, rooted in love, and to assume the best in one another, even when we disagree.
Martin Luther reminds us of this in his understanding of the 8th Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Luther teaches us that this means more than simply telling the truth—it calls us to defend our neighbor, speak well of them, and interpret their actions in the kindest way possible. In the context of voting and civic engagement, this means avoiding hurtful rhetoric and engaging in respectful dialogue grounded in facts and understanding.
To help you thoughtfully engage in the upcoming election, I encourage you to explore the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA) 2024 Voter Guide. This nonpartisan resource will help you reflect on how your faith can shape your voting decisions. The guide is available here: LAMA 2024 Voter Guide.
Additionally, the ELCAvotes initiative provides resources on civic participation, voter education, and advocacy, helping us understand how our faith shapes our role in democracy. Learn more here: ELCAvotes.
Important Deadlines for Voting in Arizona
In Arizona, the voter registration deadline for the 2024 General Election is Monday, October 7, 2024. If you haven’t registered to vote or need to update your information, it’s important to do so before this date. You can check your registration status and register online through the Arizona Secretary of State’s website or by contacting your local county recorder's office.
If you prefer to vote by mail, you can join Arizona’s Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) to automatically receive a mail-in ballot. If you’re already registered, you can request a ballot by mail until Friday, October 25, 2024.
For those who need it, ballots in Spanish can be requested when you register or through the Arizona Secretary of State’s Spanish-language page.
Supporting Voters Without a Home
Voting is a right for all citizens, including those experiencing homelessness. If you don’t have a traditional address, you can still register to vote in Arizona. You can use the address of a shelter, a service provider, or a place you frequently return to, like a church or park. What matters is that you're part of the community and have a right to participate in decisions that affect your life.
LAMA’s web guide for people facing homelessness offers practical tips and guidance, which can be found here: lamaz.org/blog/elcavotes
As we prepare to vote, let us do so as peacemakers, guided by love, compassion, and truth. When we choose to engage with respect and assume the best in one another, we embody Christ’s call to love our neighbors. This election season, may we carry that love with us—showing up not just to cast a vote, but to advocate for justice, mercy, and peace in all that we do.
In faith and service,
Pastor Dan Potaznick
Associate Pastor for Outreach
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Glendale, AZ
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