Pastors Speak Out for Voting Rights

Advocacy group decries voter intimidation from Secretary of State

A group of Tennessee pastors is speaking out against the Secretary of State's office after the state election regulator sent letters requesting proof of citizenship to 14,000 naturalized citizens registered to vote in the state.

The Southern Christian Coalition says the letters are a form of voter intimidation and that all Tennessee citizens should be free from fear when it comes to casting votes.

The organization released a statement from Rev. Dr. Kevin Riggs, Pastor of Franklin Community Church:

"I have voted in every election since I was eligible to vote. I, like every citizen, have to produce a valid photo ID before voting. I use my driver’s license, but I could use my passport or any other form of government ID. So, why would Mark Goins, the head of the state election commission, send letters to over 14,000 naturalized citizens in our state, asking them to go one step further than what is already required of every citizen? The only reason I can think of is voter intimidation."

Riggs added that the letters are anti-democratic and in opposition to Biblical principles.

"Immigrants and new Americans are part of the fabric of our society — they are our neighbors, our co-workers, and our friends. Governmental actions like this are not consistent with Tennessee values in the volunteer state. They are also not consistent with the biblical mandate to treat others the way you wish to be treated. This attempt to silence voices goes to show how important it is that we show up for every election to vote for candidates that believe all our voices and votes matter- not just a select few of us."

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