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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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"Souls to the Polls" Movement Encourages Everyone to Vote

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Monday, November 2, 2020   

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Progressive Christian groups are working with 750 faith leaders across the country to get parishioners to vote in an effort dubbed "All Souls to the Polls."

With a nod to the historic get-out-the-vote efforts of the same name at some Black churches, this group is helping people find their polling place and understand their state's voting rules.

Rev. Ryan Eller, founder and executive director of the New Moral Majority, said they're also serving up food and water to people waiting at the polls.

"There have been long lines, and it's inspiring to see those long lines," Eller observed. "But also, we know that for every person that gets in that line, there may be a dozen who look at it and say 'Gosh, I just don't have the time.'"

He said members of the group will be at the polls to counteract voter suppression tactics, especially those that target young people and communities of color.

The group is also encouraging churches to organize COVID-safe rides to the polls for those who didn't vote early.

The New Moral Majority has also launched "Operation Family Meeting," a program to help people reconnect with relatives who may have hard feelings or differing views about the election.

Sarah Rye Ryan, co-founder of the program, said it's never too late to explain how the issues affect you, but you have to take a positive approach.

"Start from that place of love," Ryan urged. "Not to push someone away, but to bring them closer. If you come in and say, 'I'm here to win' then of course, they're not going to want to listen to you."

Liza Ryan Gill, co-founder of the program with her sister, said no matter which candidates win, the country's got some serious healing to do.

"I think we have a lot of work to do after the election, whether it's Biden or Trump, repairing the relationships and reclaiming the ability to think critically about faith and politics," Gill stressed. "And to listen lovingly and to open up those relationships again, instead of saying, 'You know what, it's just too exhausting. I can't.'"

She said Operation Family Meeting has a discussion guide on its website to help families discuss faith and public policy concerns in a constructive, positive manner.

Disclosure: The New Moral Majority contributes to our fund for reporting on Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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