I think it's weird that...

MommyLiberty5013

...everybody wants a separation of church and state, yet on voting days, my CHURCH is used as a polling place here in the metro area of Minneapolis.

The ACLU gets all angry when a school tries to use a church for a graduation to hold all the graduates and their families and guests.

Churches are some of a community's largest buildings. It makes sense to use them for graduations and other large meetings.

Why is voting okay then?

chibiyui

Personally, I dislike schools doing graduation anywhere that is not the actual school. Esp. High schools. 

Voting just isn't the same thing as a graduation. I really don't care where the polling place is, it doesn't affect/change my vote nor carry any sort of endorsement. I.e. If I'm a Methodist I'm not changing churches if I'm voting in a Catholic church. Graduation ceremonies are longer, and could be awkward for someone not of that faith (A family of practicing Jehovahs' Witnesses, for example would not be able to attend graduation in accordance with their faith, with voting they have options, not with graduation attendance.)

MommyLiberty5013

chibiyui said:

Personally, I dislike schools doing graduation anywhere that is not the actual school. Esp. High schools. 

Voting just isn't the same thing as a graduation. I really don't care where the polling place is, it doesn't affect/change my vote nor carry any sort of endorsement. I.e. If I'm a Methodist I'm not changing churches if I'm voting in a Catholic church. Graduation ceremonies are longer, and could be awkward for someone not of that faith (A family of practicing Jehovahs' Witnesses, for example would not be able to attend graduation in accordance with their faith, with voting they have options, not with graduation attendance.)

I understand what you're saying, but actually voters do not have options, I am pretty sure you have to vote in your specific precinct on voting day. Each voting spot has you listed as a voter specifically registered at their poll and no other poll. I have lived in multiple states and this has always been the case. Perhaps in some states it does not matter; let me know if I am wrong.

As a side issue, JWs can vote but most choose not to. It is contrary to their beliefs and they remain neutral on political issues.

But, if graduation shouldn't be held in churches, then neither should voting. I just dislike the inconsistency. The ACLU and like-minded groups or individuals should be consistent if they want to adhere to the "separation of church and state." I also think voting in a church is a much more political (issue of state) action than attending a graduation ceremony.

 

chibiyui

I don't know, I just don"t see it as an issue. I support the separation of church and state, it just never occurred to me that polling precincts sometimes being in a church was an issue (seriously, the less my religion has to do with the government the better. Even more so for other peoples religion). I mean, if the clergy was all up in my voting business, then it would be an issue. If people are handing out chick tracts and there are jesus saves videos being played, then thats an issue. 

"As a side issue, JWs can vote but most choose not to. It is contrary to their beliefs and they remain neutral on political issues"

I did not know that. I wish other religions would do the same. 

Well, like you said, in many communities churches are the largest, most accessible buildings. I suppose the best way to overcome that would be to build community buildings specifically for voting so that nobody is offended by churches being used. :P It would be a great use of tax payer money.