Democracy is worth waiting for and, if necessary, worth fighting for. While poll workers and election officials work tirelessly, the president has continued to make baseless claims of voter fraud. There isn’t a shred of evidence that widespread fraud has taken place with mail-in ballots, which the president has attacked throughout the course of this election. The president's lies, echoed by his allies, are rooted in racism as they explicitly target people and communities of color in places like Philadelphia and Detroit. It is increasingly clear that voters have spoken with their votes. Any efforts by the president and other Republican loyalists to undermine the results are an assault on our democracy and voters, who are made in the very image of God. 
 
This is a moment in which people of faith from every background and political persuasion must speak and act together to defend our democracy and the results of this election. This crossroads moment poses a defining test of whether everyone, including Republican senators, will put the rule of law and the common good above their loyalty to the president. We're forwarding you this message to ensure you are up to date on the state of the election and have ways to act. We hope you will sign up for future daily updates for as long as they are needed.

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, Acting President and President-elect and Rev. Jim Wallis, Founder, Sojourners

From: Sandy Ovalle, Sojourners
Sent: Friday, November 6, 2020 5:30 PM
Subject: Truth and Action Round-Up 11.6.20

Truth and Action Round-up: a reliable, daily email for the post-election period.  
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It's Friday, three days after Election Day. While ballots are still being counted and results will need to be certified by election officials in every state, the numbers appear to favor Vice President Biden. However, last night, President Trump denounced ballot-counting efforts in several states. Multiple credible news outlets have carefully fact-checked the president's speech and found it riddled with deception. Now is the time for people of faith to stand for truth and ensure that everyone is included in rebuilding our democracy and economy.   

Here’s what we know at the time of writing: 

1)  As votes continue to be counted, former Vice President Joe Biden now leads in states worth 306 electoral votes, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. Expert analysis suggests there’s little reason to think Biden’s lead will decrease in any of these states (and it may grow substantially in Pennsylvania). If Georgia holds a recount and the winner of that state changed hands, but Pennsylvania goes to Biden then he will have enough electoral votes to win the needed votes in the Electoral College. The final results in Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia will likely not determine the outcome of the presidential race. 

2) Recounts: With close margins in a number of key states, there is a possibility of one or more recounts. The Trump campaign has requested a recount in Wisconsin. Under state law, a candidate can request a recount if the margin is less than 1 percent. Biden has a margin of about 20,000 votes over Trump. 

3) What next? Voters must keep pressure on each state to complete counting every vote, resolve any legal disputes, and conduct applicable recounts before the state appoints electors by Dec. 8. It will be critical that voters keep a careful watch on who their state legislature and governor choose as the state’s slate of electors. If a state legislature “falsely populates” the slate of electors to the Electoral College, they will be overturning the will of the people. Voters must demand that the governor and secretary of state make public the elector slates as soon as they are available, and that the governor report that slate directly to the Electoral College. The non-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises has more details here. 

Action: 

• On Saturday, Nov. 7, people around the country will join in a Voters Decided National Day of Celebration in support of free, safe, fair and transparent elections. No matter how long it takes to know the legitimate results, we can celebrate the progress thus far! 
• This election season, voters showed up in record numbers. Voters decided to protect their neighbors. Voters are deciding the outcome of this election. Share with us what faith #VotersDecided using our social media toolkit here. 

Gracious God, guide us as a country to guard the rights of one another, and to protect the integrity of the election as we truly strive "to form a more perfect union.” 

In truth and action,  

Sandy Ovalle, Sojourners 

Prayer of the Day: Jesus, in this time of waiting, fill us with your spirit of patience and gentleness. Read more here.