Democracy in Action
"It takes deep faith and a lot of hard work to keep a democracy vibrant."
-- Rev. Wm. G. Sinkford, UUA President
In the Fifth Principle of Unitarian Universalism, we covenant to affirm and promote “The
right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Our faith is grounded in democratic ideals. With the benefits of
democracy comes the obligation to maintain a just and inclusive process. At MUUSAN’s
inaugural meeting, in November 2012, our members approved an organizational
emphasis on democracy — that government remain of, by, and for the people.
MUUSAN's LEGISLATIVE ACTION SUMMARY: 128th Legislature, 1st Session (Jan.-August 2017)
Areas of Focus include:
-- Rev. Wm. G. Sinkford, UUA President
In the Fifth Principle of Unitarian Universalism, we covenant to affirm and promote “The
right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Our faith is grounded in democratic ideals. With the benefits of
democracy comes the obligation to maintain a just and inclusive process. At MUUSAN’s
inaugural meeting, in November 2012, our members approved an organizational
emphasis on democracy — that government remain of, by, and for the people.
MUUSAN's LEGISLATIVE ACTION SUMMARY: 128th Legislature, 1st Session (Jan.-August 2017)
Areas of Focus include:
- Campaign Finance Reform: MUUSAN supports a Constitutional Amendment to permit effective campaign funding laws and a publicly funded election process. MUUSAN is an endorsing partner with Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, a nonpartisan organization committed to strengthening Maine’s campaign finance laws, including especially public financing that allows moderate income persons to run for office.
- Voter education and turnout: MUUSAN empowers congregations and members to participate in public discourse. We provide educational resources on how to be active in the democratic process and enable and encourage congregations to interact with their local, state, and federal legislators.
- Ensuring fair election practices: MUUSAN monitors election laws and supports full restoration of the Voting Rights Act.
- Ranked Choice Voting
- Civil Discourse
Restore Ranked Choice Voting - Sign and Circulate Petitions for a People's Veto
MUUSAN Network Meeting November 11, 2017, 10:00-noon, UU Comm. Church of Augusta
Join UUs from across Maine at the next statewide Maine UU State Advocacy Network on Saturday, November 11, 10:00 AM to noon at the UU Community Church, 69 Winthrop Street, Augusta for an urgent mobilization effort to launch a People’s Veto Referendum to restore Ranked Choice Voting.
A year ago, Maine citizens voted to take back their democracy when they adopted Ranked Choice Voting by the second largest referendum vote of the people in Maine's history. Mainers wanted more voice and more choice in our democracy and they wanted Ranked Choice Voting implemented now, starting with the June 2018 elections.
But the Maine Legislature just voted to thwart the will of the voters by delaying and repealing the voter-approved Ranked Choice Voting law. However, there is an immediate solution to restore the Ranked Choice Voting law by launching a People’s Veto Referendum.
Maine’s Constitution gives the people the right to reverse decisions of the Legislature through the power of the People's Veto. We only have 90 days to collect 61,123 valid signatures to put a People’s Veto on the June 2018 ballot. The People's Veto will freeze Maine's Ranked Choice Voting law in place and require its implementation for the June 2018 primary election for state and federal offices.
Maine Unitarian Universalists have led the way and volunteered countless hours over the last several years to give voters the freedom to vote for the candidate they like best without worrying that they will help to elect the candidate they like least. We are being called once again to advocate for a vision of democracy that brings civil discourse back into campaigning and strengthens the inclusion of all into the democratic process.
MUUSAN Network Meeting November 11, 2017, 10:00-noon, UU Comm. Church of Augusta
Join UUs from across Maine at the next statewide Maine UU State Advocacy Network on Saturday, November 11, 10:00 AM to noon at the UU Community Church, 69 Winthrop Street, Augusta for an urgent mobilization effort to launch a People’s Veto Referendum to restore Ranked Choice Voting.
A year ago, Maine citizens voted to take back their democracy when they adopted Ranked Choice Voting by the second largest referendum vote of the people in Maine's history. Mainers wanted more voice and more choice in our democracy and they wanted Ranked Choice Voting implemented now, starting with the June 2018 elections.
But the Maine Legislature just voted to thwart the will of the voters by delaying and repealing the voter-approved Ranked Choice Voting law. However, there is an immediate solution to restore the Ranked Choice Voting law by launching a People’s Veto Referendum.
Maine’s Constitution gives the people the right to reverse decisions of the Legislature through the power of the People's Veto. We only have 90 days to collect 61,123 valid signatures to put a People’s Veto on the June 2018 ballot. The People's Veto will freeze Maine's Ranked Choice Voting law in place and require its implementation for the June 2018 primary election for state and federal offices.
Maine Unitarian Universalists have led the way and volunteered countless hours over the last several years to give voters the freedom to vote for the candidate they like best without worrying that they will help to elect the candidate they like least. We are being called once again to advocate for a vision of democracy that brings civil discourse back into campaigning and strengthens the inclusion of all into the democratic process.
Useful Resources and Links
ACLU of Maine Let ME Vote resources
Maine Citizens For Clean Elections
TALKING POINTS FOR APRIL 28, 2017 HEARING on funding Clean Elections
Maine Ranked Choice Voting
Maine Legislature Information Pages
Find Your Elected Officials online lookup service
Maine Council of Churches Covenant for Civil Discourse
UU Statements of Conscience or Action of Immediate Witness on Democracy:
• GUIDE to the Congregational Study Action Issue 2016-2020: The Corruption of Our Democracy
