October Theme -- Citizenship: Presidential Debates

We know that becoming informed about the views and stances of presidential candidates is essential in voting responsibly.  Presidential debates provide one way for us to learn more about how each presidential candidate plans to act if elected to office.

Here are the dates & times for the remaining presidential debates:

October 11, 8:00 - 9:30 pm:  Vice-Presidential Debate, foreign & domestic policy
October 16, 8:00 - 9:30 pm:  Presidential Debate, town meeting style
October 22, 8:00 - 9:30 pm:  Presidential Debate, foreign policy

For more information about the debates and a live stream via internet, click here.  If you choose to watch any (or all!) of the debates, be sure to report each one as a completed goal.

As we enter this election season, it is important to remember that the church is politically neutral.  From lds.org:

The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.
The Church does not:

• Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
• Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
• Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.

The Church does:

• Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
• Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
• Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
• Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.

Sending our love,

The Literacy Committee