Chris Crawford writes:

This moment in our history demands that we work to ensure a free and fair election, as well as a peaceful transition to a new presidential term. Each of us should discern the ways that we can protect the democratic institutions that preserve our way of life. My organization, Protect Democracy, has partnered with Interfaith America to create a list of actions for faith communities to take in order to protect our election system in 2024.

I am passionate about my work protecting free and fair elections because we cannot effectively address any of the issues mentioned in “Faithful Citizenship,” from protecting the unborn to creating a more just economy,without a functioning democracy. All of the freedoms that we enjoy, including our religious freedom, are protected by our democratic institutions. The hallmarks of a democratic form of government in the United States are less certain than they have been in recent memory, but faith-based organizations are well-positioned to help protect them.

With tens of thousands of church communities across the country, Catholics are a vital network uplifting our pluralistic society. In addition to these churches, there are thousands of Catholic charities and nonprofits that step up and serve during crises, and help hold our communities together.

This important work can be done free from partisanship or political gamesmanship. For example, our elections depend upon approximately one million people to serve as poll workers or election judges at our polling locations. They are paid for their time and trained by professionals. Without their participation, our elections would have fewer polling locations and longer lines, and citizens would have less trust in the process. Individual Catholics should consider signing up to work at the polls during the 2024 election, and Catholic churches, schools and nonprofits should help meet this important need by giving paid leave to employees who do so. Getting started is as easy as signing up with an organization such as Power the Polls, which will send your information directly to your local election office.