Vote with Love

Currently, there are nine Open and Affirming (ONA) churches in the Hawai'i Conference and other congregations who, for various reasons, have not adopted an ONA covenant but who are nevertheless welcoming and safe communities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.

Yvonne Leiser, member of Hokuloa UCC, an ONA congregation on Hawai‘i Island, reminds us about the importance of voting on a proposed amendment to the Hawai'i State Constitution in this year's General Election. There is a question on the ballot asking "shall the state constitution be amended to repeal the legislature's authority to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples?" A "yes" vote would remove the specific language in the Hawai'i State Constitution that gave the Legislature authority to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples, while a "no" vote would make no change to the Constitution.

Please note that a "blank" vote is not counted as a "yes" or "no" vote but is counted toward the total number of votes cast. In order for the proposed amendment to be ratified, it must be approved by a majority of all votes tallied upon the question (only the "yes" and "no" votes) and this majority must constitute at least 50% of the total votes cast. Therefore, in this instance, a "blank" vote is essentially a "no" vote on this question. Read more about the proposed amendment HERE.

 The 2024 Our Faith Our Vote campaign in the UCC asks the church "to answer the call of 1 John 3:18 to 'let us not love with words or speech, but in action and in truth,' by 'voting with love.' Vote with love for creation, for our neighbors both here and abroad, for a just peace, for repair and reconciliation of the brokenness of our nation. And encourage your family, friends, and community to do the same."

Please remember that your vote is your voice and we urge you to vote with love and let your voice be heard this general election.