All of the constitutional freedoms that we enjoy depend on the integrity of our elections — the foundation of American democracy. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and other national challenges this election season, the National Association of Evangelicals worked with other partners to advocate for fair, free and safe elections. Included in our advocacy is a series of letters.

NAE President Walter Kim said, “As Christians, we believe in a just society that preserves the dignity and promotes the voice to its citizens. The disruptions of COVID-19 must be met with a vigorous effort to maintain the right to vote and ensure a free, fair, and fully participatory election.”

Letter to Congress in May 2020

Every state in the nation needs both the resources and proper mandate to put in place measures and policies that will enable a free, fair and safe election, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. No citizen should have to choose between their health and the exercise of their right to vote. NAE President Walter Kim and NAE Vice President Galen Carey joined with 20 other Christian leaders in encouraging members of Congress to include sufficient funds in the next CARES Act that would enable states to prepare for the 2020 primary and general elections.

Statement from Faith Leaders

NAE President Walter Kim joined with leaders of faith across political, religious and ideological differences to affirm our commitment to a free, fair and safe election. The statement expresses support for the following commitments and calls on leaders across the country to commit to the same:

  • Our leaders must ensure a free and fair election in which all eligible Americans can safely cast their votes without interference, suppression, or fear of intimidation.
  • Leaders and election officials must count every vote in accordance with applicable laws before the election is decided, even if the process takes a longer time because of precautions in place due to COVID-19.
  • Leaders should share timely, accurate information about the election results and resist and avoid spreading misinformation.
  • Leaders must actively and publicly support a peaceful transition of power or continuation of leadership based on legitimate election results.

Statement from Business, Labor and Faith Leaders

On Election Day, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas J. Donohue, AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka, National African American Clergy Network Co-Convener Barbara Williams-Skinner and NAE President Walter Kim celebrated the record turnout of this election and called leaders to allow election officials to have the space and time to count every vote in accordance with applicable laws. Together they called on the media, the candidates and the American people to exercise patience with the process and trust in our system.

“Although we may not always agree on desired outcomes up and down the ballot, we are united in our call for the American democratic process to proceed without violence, intimidation, or any other tactic that makes us weaker as a nation. A free and fair election is one in which everyone eligible to cast a ballot can, all ballots are counted consistent with the law, and the American people, through their votes, determine the outcome,” the statement said.