As you plan to vote, and as you engage your networks in voting, keep in mind the ways people can register as we get this close to Election Day 2020:

1. Online voter registration ends on OCTOBER 13. If you plan to register this way, act now. 
2. Eligible voters can register or update registration when they show up to do early voting or on Election Day. 

Here are the specifics for Minnesotans:

REGISTER ONLINE HERE
It's quick and easy! You will need your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number, or the last four numbers of your Social Security number.

Or REGISTER ON ELECTION DAY
You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. You will need proof of residence to register. Learn more about registering when you vote.

Check my registration
You can see if you are registered at your current address.

*Restoring American Democracy

Join us for an online presentation and discussion!

When: Tuesday, October 6th, from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Presenter: Nancy Altman (from Social Security Works)

How to Attend: This discussion will happen via Zoom

• Click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87657170818
• Or call in: +1 (312) 626 6799 (If trouble with the 1st #, call this  +1 (253) 215 8782). Use this Meeting ID: 828 1181 6632
• Or, using your smart phone, one tap mobile: +16465588656,,82811816632#

Follow and share this event on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/events/1223643211335791

Hosted by the Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council, AFL-CIO, and the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation

*Restoring American Democracy

Contributor: Bill Moore

I’m a Catholic and I vote. I learned the value of both from my parents. They usually voted Democratic, but had good friends in both parties and of different faiths. Listening from the top of the stairs when Mom and Dad entertained friends for dinner or cards in the dining room, we overheard many lively discussions on faith and politics.
 
So I’ve long thought of voting and politics as something good, a way we take care of one another, as Wy Spano never tires of saying. And no one has ever called me a sinner for voting for one candidate or another. Lately, though, there have been news reports of Catholic priests, and even a bishop, saying you can’t be Catholic and vote for Democrats, and it’s a mortal sin. I don’t think most Catholics believe that or that the broader Church hierarchy would approve. But it is troubling and could discourage some believers from voting.
 
An essay by John Carr in the current issue of the Jesuit magazine America discusses how he is trying to apply the principles of his Catholic faith in the current election (https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2020/09/17/catholic-biden-trump-faithful-citizenship-election). He has been a long-time advisor to Catholic Bishops on matters of social justice and peace and calls himself “a pro-life, social justice, consistent-ethic Catholic.” In his essay, he confronts the reality that neither the Republican nor Democratic party platforms reflect the full framework of Catholic teaching, and both presidential candidates are committed to policies that violate Catholic moral principles: Biden, supporting abortion and Trump promoting racism and anti-immigrant policies. Carr concludes:

"When neither party’s platform reflects the full framework of Catholic teaching, and when both candidates are committed to policies that violate Catholic moral principles, I will follow my conscience. I will exercise my prudential judgment to vote for the candidate who has the character, integrity and competence to serve; who will seek the common good and protect our democratic institutions; and who will do the least harm and the most good within our political and constitutional structures. And since neither of our present options reflects a full commitment to the Gospel, I am committed to work for better choices in our politics, parties and nation.

"I will vote for Mr. Biden for what he can do to help us recover and heal, lift up those left behind, ensure health care for all and treat immigrants and refugees with respect. I will not vote for him to support his position on abortion, but in spite of it."

I hope readers will agree with John Carr’s reasoning and share his conclusion, but whether we do or not, I hope all us Catholic voters will as he urges, “reflect, discuss, engage, discern and decide; and at the same time . . . respect the consciences and choices of other Catholics. “

*What we need to do about it

For information on how to request an absentee ballot in your state, visit Better Know a Ballot!

*What we need to do about it

*Restoring American Democracy

...By a Former Republican Strategist and Campaigner Who Says “Strike Down Trumpism”

Steve Schmidt  worked on George Bush’s, Arnold Schwarzenegger's, and most prominently John McCain’s campaigns, prior to the rise of Trump.  In this election he founded the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, a group of Republicans who don’t want Trump reelected.  This is a series of tweets he published Sept. 19, pleading with Republicans to rid the country of the evil of Trump.