Faith Voters Urged to Turn Out for Election
With Election Day looming, the president of the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, has issued a rallying cry to people of faith: vote.
In an interview on EWTN News Nightly, Kevin Roberts addressed the growing concern of low voter turnout among faith-based communities. This concern is fueled by a recent Arizona Christian University study revealing that only 51% of people of faith intend to vote in the presidential election.
Nearly 70% of survey respondents expressed apathy towards politics and elections, while nearly 60% voiced dislike for all major candidates. Additionally, roughly half felt neither candidate represented their views and believed their vote would be inconsequential. Nearly 50% also expressed fears of election manipulation.
While not surprised by these findings, Roberts noted that apathy among faith voters, despite their moral obligation to participate, is becoming increasingly common.
He emphasized the importance of "studying the issues" for those faith voters abstaining due to dissatisfaction with both candidates, particularly Catholics and other Christians.
Roberts stressed the significant implications of the upcoming election, particularly for religious liberty.
“As people of faith, we have to weigh the policy record and project it into the future,” he stated. “If [Vice President Kamala Harris] were to win, we are going to see threats to religious liberty and our ability to worship. We will continue to pray for her as president, obviously. But we really need to consider this in the next few days, particularly if there are Catholics and other Christians who are thinking they might just stay home.”
He further highlighted the importance of the filibuster, religious liberty, and free speech as critical issues for faith-based communities.
Roberts voiced concerns that Harris’s stance on religious liberty is unprecedented, stating, "What’s at stake is that we’re going to lose our ability to worship. We’re going to lose our religious liberty if the Harris-Walz campaign prevails.”
Should Harris win and succeed in eliminating the filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade, Roberts warned of a significant "abridgement of religious liberty" and free speech, in addition to the expansion of abortion access.
He cited recent incidents of religious intolerance, including Harris’s refusal to support religious exemptions related to abortion and an instance where she told faith-based protesters they were "at the wrong rally."
“Obviously, this is a real problem even for people of no faith,” Roberts explained, "because if you eliminate our first freedom, which is to believe and worship as we shall, then all of the others are endangered.”
He expressed significant concern that Democrats regaining their Senate majority would lead to the elimination of the filibuster, citing evidence of this determination in recent rhetoric.
Roberts also warned that a Harris administration, even without a Senate majority, could implement policies against religious freedom through executive orders.
Despite concerns regarding former President Donald Trump’s stance on abortion and IVF, Roberts expressed cautious optimism that a Trump-Vance administration would remain firmly pro-life.
He encouraged faith-based voters to recall Trump’s track record and consider the potential for collaboration on issues important to them, such as abortion and religious liberty, under a Trump-Vance administration.
In contrast, he believed a Harris-Walz administration offered zero chance for such collaboration.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Kevin Roberts. Thank you for joining us today. With Election Day fast approaching, your recent comments about faith voters have certainly sparked conversation. Can you elaborate on why you think it’s imperative for people of faith to make their voices heard in this election?
Kevin Roberts: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The stakes are incredibly high this election cycle, especially when it comes to issues that touch on religious liberty and moral values. Many faith voters often feel disillusioned or apathetic about the political process, primarily due to dissatisfaction with the candidates. This is concerning because it leads to a lack of representation for their values and beliefs.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned in your recent interview that a study from Arizona Christian University revealed only 51% of faith-based individuals plan to cast their votes. That’s a striking statistic. What do you think is driving this low voter turnout?
Kevin Roberts: The numbers reflect a broader trend of apathy and disconnection from the political process. Nearly 70% of respondents felt indifferent about politics, and around 60% expressed a general dislike for the major candidates. This creates a vicious cycle where those who might represent faith-based perspectives feel compelled to abstain from voting, reinforcing the notion that their vote doesn’t matter.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s a disconnect between faith communities and the political sphere. You advocate for studying the issues at hand. How can faith voters better educate themselves to make informed decisions?
Kevin Roberts: Engaging with the issues is crucial. It’s essential for individuals to articulate their beliefs and understand how policies will impact their lives and their ability to practice faith freely. I encourage voters, particularly Catholics and other Christians, to go beyond their immediate feelings about candidates and consider the broader implications of their choices—especially regarding religious liberty.
Time.news Editor: You pointed out that a potential Kamala Harris presidency could pose threats to religious liberty. Can you explain why you believe this to be the case?
Kevin Roberts: My concern lies in the precedent that a Harris administration might set regarding the treatment of religious institutions and free speech. If she were to prevail, we could see a significant shift away from supporting religious communities, impacting our fundamental rights to worship and express our beliefs. The importance of the filibuster, religious liberty, and the preservation of free speech cannot be overstated for faith-based communities.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful statement. What would you say to those faith voters who are still on the fence about participating in this election?
Kevin Roberts: I would urge them to reflect on their values and consider the implications of not voting. By staying home, they are potentially allowing candidates who may not share their views to shape the future—a future where the rights and freedoms of faith communities could be compromised. It’s our moral obligation to take part in this democratic process and uphold our beliefs.
Time.news Editor: In light of the feelings of disenfranchisement among voters, what actions do you think the faith community could take to mobilize and encourage voter turnout?
Kevin Roberts: Collaboration and dialogue within faith communities are vital. Churches and faith organizations can play pivotal roles in encouraging informed participation, hosting discussions on the issues, and providing resources for voters to learn more about the candidates and their policies. Mobilizing these communities to see voting as a spiritual duty rather than merely a civic one could transform turnout.
Time.news Editor: Kevin, thank you for sharing your insights. You’ve certainly highlighted the critical role that faith voters play in shaping our political landscape. We appreciate your time and perspective.
Kevin Roberts: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope more in the faith community recognize the importance of their voice this election.