The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
UUSC Insists Every Vote Be Counted; Condemns Attacks on Democratic Process
By UUSC Staff on November 4, 2020
As of the morning of November 4, election officials continue to tally votes in several states key to determining the outcome of the 2020 U.S. national elections. As a result, no winner has yet been declared in the presidential race and in several key Congressional races. In spite of this fact, sitting president Donald Trump recklessly claimed he had won the election, and that continuing the vote count amounted to “stealing” the presidency. However, it is the voice of the people—not of politicians—that determines the outcome of an election, and this voice is heard through a fair and deliberate counting of the votes.
UUSC’s President and CEO, Rev. Mary Katherine Morn, issued the following statement:
“This is how our democracy works—election officials have accountability to and must take the time they need to count every vote. UUSC demands that we protect the fundamental principle of our democracy, that every vote must be counted. We also demand politicians refrain from prematurely declaring a winner until we have heard from all voters who’ve exercised their democratic right.
The democratic process is a global value enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that every person has the right to participate in the government of their country. U.S. election officials must count every single ballot that was cast.
It has been a long, divisive road to Election Day. While we all want to put this election behind us and turn our full attention to the massive global challenges that confront us, the integrity of the election and our democracy depends upon a process that allows every single person who cast a vote to be heard.
This ensures that the will of the people of this country forms the basis of our government going forward. Any politician who tries to prematurely end the vote count is jeopardizing our democratic rights and sabotaging our hopes for a better future.”
UUSC supports the Protect the Results coalition and encourages its supporters to find an event close to them and join others in demanding the democratic process be protected and respected.
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About UUSC: Guided by the belief that all people have inherent worth and dignity, UUSC advances human rights globally by partnering with affected communities who are confronting injustice, mobilizing to challenge oppressive systems, and inspiring and sustaining spiritually grounded activism for justice. We invite you to join us in this journey toward realizing a better future!
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