Could Mormons lean toward Harris? How church doctrine and Jan 6 could impact votes

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — a group that’s traditionally been one of the most consistent Republican voting blocs — are rethinking their vote for Republican nominee Donald Trump because of their church’s beliefs, some say.

“There’s a strong difference of opinion among the Latter-day Saints about Trump,” James McConkie II, civil rights attorney and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told McClatchy News.

According to a 2023 poll by the Survey Center of American Life, “ more than half (51%) of Latter-day Saints express negative views of the former president.”

McConkie said he and many other Latter-day Saints have difficulty voting for Trump because of what church doctrine teaches about the Constitution and guidance on choosing political leaders.

Latter-day Saints believe the U.S. Constitution is “ divinely inspired ,” according to a 2021 statement by former church president Dallin Oaks.

“The United States Constitution is unique because God revealed that he ‘established’ it ‘for the rights and protection of all flesh,’” Oaks said, referencing Doctrine and Covenants — a collection of what Latter-day Saints consider “ divine revelations and inspired declarations ,” according to the church’s website.

But McConkie said he believes Trump disregarded the Constitution and the process of government by denying the results of the last election and trying to subvert it on Jan. 6, 2021.

McConkie also referenced Section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants, which provides counsel on how to choose a candidate , he said.

The verses in that section say:

“Wherefore, honest men (and women) and wise men (and women) should be sought for diligently, and good men (and women) and wise men (and women) ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.”

He said he does not believe Trump’s character to align with what his faith teaches is a good leader.

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, a group of both Democrat and Republican Latter-day Saints, including McConkie, launched a petition opposing the re-election of Trump .

“Trump’s unwillingness to tell truth and that his multiple, deliberate, and ongoing misrepresentations as well as his moral character disqualify him from office,” the group said in a statement shared with McClatchy News.

The petition, which has over 300 signatures as of Oct. 4, cites seven specific reasons why they do not believe Trump to be “honest,” “wise” and “good.”

“We want other Latter-day Saints to know that even though they might be Republican, their religion ought to take precedence over their political point of view,” McConkie said.

The petition doesn’t endorse another candidate because, McConkie noted, the goal is simply to get Latter-day Saints voters to choose a candidate other than Trump.

Several people commented on the petition to show their support.

“I believe we must have honesty and integrity in our leadership,” one person said. “ ... My faith doesn’t allow me to support such a person for the highest office in the land.”

“I want my children to know and remember that we value good character and righteous leadership,” another person commented.

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