A Note from Pastor Madeline
Register to Vote, then Vote!
I have a confession to make (the Catholics do not have a monopoly on confessions!). I did not vote until the general election of 1992. I was twenty-nine years old. There was a candidate that year that sparked my attention and I was finally maturing enough in my world view to understand the importance of each person casting a vote and recognizing what a privilege it is to be able to vote. I really wish I had realized this earlier in my life and been able to move outside of my own selfish needs and wants to pay attention to the needs of others and our world in general.
I have voted in every election since then.
Senator Raphael Warnock is the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga. - the church that was pastored by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from the 1930's until his death in 1968. Senator Warnock said, "A vote is a kind of prayer for the kind of world we desire for ourselves and our children." Voting is a matter of faith, citizenship and democracy. It is a kind of prayer and faithful testament to the belief that every citizen bears a responsibility and equal right to determine the future of governance in society. UMC Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, Resident Bishop of the North Alabama Conference recently wrote,
"The right to vote is not merely a political issue; it is a moral issue. Voting is one of the most fundamental ways people participate in shaping the common good. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls leaders and communities to protect the vulnerable, hear the cries of the oppressed, and ensure fairness in the public square. Proverbs 31:8 reminds us: “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.”
Our United Methodist heritage has long affirmed the importance of civic participation and equal access to the democratic process. From the Civil Rights Movement to the present day, people of faith have marched, prayed, organized, and advocated so that every citizen may have an equal voice. We remember that many paid a great price, and some gave their very lives, so that voting rights could be expanded and protected in the American South."
I urge all of you to vote. Pray, listen to God and vote! Be sure your voice is heard and that you are voting in a way that truly reflects your faith and your hopes and dreams for our world.
You will not be able to vote if you are not registered to vote. This is the first step and there are some important deadlines coming up.....
- July 20, 2026 - Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation before the August 18th Primary and Local Elections
- October 5, 2026 - Last date to register to vote or change party affiliation before the November 3rd General Election.
- Please be sure you are registered to vote!
You may find other information on mail in ballot deadlines (you must now request a mail in ballot - this is a change this year) at:
Voter-Information/Voter-
****The deadline to submit a request for a ballot to be mailed is 5 p.m. local time on the 12th day before an upcoming election and the completed paper ballot must be received at the supervisor of elections office by election day!
Here is the link to request a mail in ballot:
I leave you with this statement from our UMC Social Principles,
"While we do not believe churches should affiliate with particular political parties, we do encourage churches to speak out boldly on social issues from a Gospel perspective. We further believe churches have a right and a responsibility to educate and equip their members to be effective advocates for justice in the wider world." (UMC Social Principles: The Political Community - The United Methodist Book of Disciple 2020/2024)
Please register to vote!
Grace and Peace
-Pastor Madeline