Protecting Democracy

Preserving What We Share

One of my earliest memories is going with my mom to vote. Back then, voting booths had these big, heavy curtains. I remember stepping in beside her and helping pull that big, ugly curtain closed behind us. It felt like we were entering a secret space where something important was about to happen.

I didn’t know the names on the ballot. I didn’t understand the issues. But I knew it mattered. My mom was doing something serious. Something good. Something that connected us to our community and our country.

That’s what voting should feel like.

I’m running for Congress because I believe protecting our democracy is not just a political issue. It’s a matter of faith. Voting is how we take care of each other. It’s how we shape the future together. And it only works if everyone has a real chance to be heard.

Right now, some politicians are shutting people out on purpose.

They draw district maps that lock in their power. They make voting harder for people who might not agree with them. And when they don’t like the results, they lie about the election itself.

That’s not democracy. That’s manipulation. And it’s not what Arkansas deserves.

We’re even seeing new efforts at the national level that would make things worse. The so-called Save America Act would force Americans to pay fees just to access the documents they need to register to vote. That’s a poll tax in disguise. It puts a price on participation and makes it harder for working people, seniors, and young voters to have their say.

That’s not protecting elections. That’s restricting them.

In Arkansas, voting can still be confusing and complicated. Lines are long. Rules are strict. Maps are drawn behind closed doors. And regular people are the ones who lose out.

Here’s what that trust requires: making voting easier, not harder, ending gerrymandering so politicians don’t choose their voters, and keeping elections safe and fair with trusted audits.

These aren’t just policy details. They’re about trust and truth.

Because behind every ballot is a person. A college student voting for the first time. A retired nurse who never misses an election. A working parent squeezing in time to vote between jobs.

Democracy works best when everyone can show up and when their voice truly counts.

As a pastor, I’ve always believed that faith means standing up for what’s right. That we are called to build systems that reflect justice and love. Democracy should be one of those systems.

So let’s fix what’s broken and protect what we share, because if we can’t trust our elections, nothing else works.

Because your vote matters. And it always should.