SALT LAKE CITY-In a letter released to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States Tuesday, the First Presidency encouraged all American Latter-day Saints to vote this November 3.
The letter is written in both English and Spanish and informs Latter-day Saints that citizens of the United States have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy.
Participation in the political process is affecting the community and nation, the letter continues, both today and in the future.
The letter then urges Latter-day Saints to be “active citizens” as they register, exercise their right to vote and engage in civic affairs.
The First Presidency also calls upon Church members to spend sufficient time to become informed about issues and candidates that are being considered.
The First Presidency continues, saying Church members, at newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, can find information on issues the Church has taken moral issues on.
Furthermore, the letter confirms that principles compatible with the Gospel can be found in “various political parties” and members would do well to seek candidates best embodying these principles.
The Church once again affirmed its institutional neutrality concerning political parties and candidates while exhorting Church members to participate in the political process.
In conclusion, the letter calls upon Latter-day Saints to strive to live the Gospel in their own lives by “demonstrating Christlike love and civility in political discourse.”
The letter was signed by Church President Russell M. Nelson, First Presidency first counselor President Dallin H. Oaks and First Presidency second counselor President Henry B. Eyring.
