INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

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The mission of The Presiding Bishop’s Absentee Ballot Initiative is religious. It is not a targeted political strategy, but rather, an episcopal call to political responsibility supporting an electoral process for a just and sustainable world!” For reasons that are both theological and legal, the Church Of God In Christ’s involvement in public life does not extend to endorsing candidates for election to public office, nor for the calling of their defeat. However, individuals, such as pastors, may participate in political campaigns as long as they do so as individuals, and not in the name of the Church Of God In Christ. Any individual, including a pastor, may wear different hats at different times and, therefore, be involved in political activity, as long as the individual is wearing the appropriate hat while engaging in civil stewardship from a biblical viewpoint.

The Presiding Bishop’s Administrative Directive on Political Activities

As a tax-exempt organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Church Of God In Christ, Inc.(COGIC) cannot intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. Violation of this prohibition could cause COGIC to lose its tax-exempt status or incur excise taxes imposed on political expenditures. To ensure that COGIC does not jeopardize its tax-exempt status or incur excise taxes on political expenditures, COGIC, including any individual acting on behalf of COGIC, will not engage in any of the following on COGIC property: Any COGIC donating or contributing to any candidate’s campaign, participating or engaging in political fundraising events, publishing or distributing statements for or against any candidate, or engaging in any other activity that favors or opposes any candidate.

GOALS and OBJECTIVES

The Presiding Bishop’s Absentee Ballot Initiative is designed to develop consciences and encourage all eligible voters to participate in elections. This executive summary highlights a faithful and challenging call to discipleship in the world of politics, providing a framework for our dual heritage as both faithful Church Of God In Christ members and American citizens. It does not offer a voter’s guide, scorecard of issues, or direction on how to vote. However, we are making it our goal to nurture enthusiasm for Absentee Ballot Voting in respective states.

Many individuals may be unable to physically present at the polls on Election Day, but still desire to participate in the election process. Individuals may still vote by casting an absentee ballot prior to Election Day. There are two ways to vote by absentee ballot: in person and by mail. The Presiding Bishop’s Absentee Ballot Initiative will include, but is not limited to, the following goals and objectives:

The Presiding Bishop’s Absentee Ballot Initiative will include, but is not limited to, the following goals and objectives:

  • Educate churches and pastors on the importance for biblically faithful voters to vote their biblical values.
  • Partner with pastors and churches to encourage members to participate in the election process.
  • Develop and promote a strategic Absentee Ballot Action Plan to encourage absentee voting as needed in respective states, incorporating strategies at the national, jurisdictional, district, and local levels throughout the Church Of God In Christ within respective communities.
  • Develop an administrative toolkit for The Presiding Bishop’s Absentee Ballot Initiative including keys to moving “Souls to the Polls.” The following objectives should be encompassed:
     

     

    • FOCUS on three areas – registration, education, and mobilization. Registration alone does not get voters to the polls. Continued communication and GOTV (Get Out the Vote) strategies are essential.
    • UNDERSTAND voting. Know the facts including absentee ballot guidelines, according to your state. Please note that individuals must be registered in order to vote by absentee ballot; however, voter registration is not an application to vote absentee.
    • PREPARE a calendar. Find and train volunteers, map out a schedule of activities, and organize volunteers throughout the Church Of God In Christ.
    • MEET and encourage collaboration with local board of electors and state’s election officials.
    • PLAN deadlines and election dates. Remind people of key dates for absentee applications. Do not forget to remind individuals of their polling locations with provided directions.
    • DEVELOP a database. Organize a tracking system including a statistical analysis, regarding The Presiding Bishop’s Absentee Ballot Initiative – jurisdiction-by jurisdiction and state-by-state as well as an analysis using zip codes.
    • SHARE information and resources. Talk politics from a biblical perspective.
    • EVALUATE participants and partners by that which worked and that which did not work.
    • CELEBRATE and THANK everyone who was involved. Everyone worked hard, now it’s time to have a good time. Hard work should have its rewards – so plan ahead of time for a celebration.