As the November 5, 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, both major campaigns have intensified their efforts to secure support from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In response, a high-ranking church official has called for civility and peace during this politically charged period.
Dallin H. Oaks, the likely successor to the church's 100-year-old president Russell M. Nelson, addressed the congregation during the faith's biannual general conference. He emphasized the importance of avoiding harsh and hateful language, urging members to be peacemakers in their communities.
"As we pursue our preferred policies in public actions, let us qualify for his blessings by using the language and methods of peacemakers."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, maintains a stance of political neutrality. However, its leaders occasionally provide guidance on approaching significant elections. With approximately 7 million of its 17 million worldwide members residing in the United States, many in crucial swing states like Arizona and Nevada, the Latter-day Saint vote could potentially influence election outcomes.
Historically, Latter-day Saints have been a reliable Republican voting bloc. However, some members have expressed reservations about former President Donald Trump since his initial White House run. Concerns range from his rhetoric towards women, immigrants, and refugees to his legal issues and attempts to challenge the 2020 election results.
Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign has recognized this potential shift and launched targeted outreach efforts to Latter-day Saint voters, particularly in Arizona, home to nearly 450,000 church members. Conversely, Trump has rallied influential church members to help secure support from swing voters, emphasizing his commitment to protecting religious liberties.
Key issues for Latter-day Saint voters include abortion and religious freedom. The church has long opposed abortion with some exceptions, which aligns more closely with Republican policies. This stance influences some members' voting decisions, as exemplified by Marilou Idos, a 70-year-old conference attendee who plans to vote for Trump despite reservations about his demeanor.
The church's emphasis on family values, community service, and self-reliance also plays a role in shaping members' political views. The faith operates a significant welfare program and humanitarian aid initiatives, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility.
Individual church members express diverse perspectives on the upcoming election. Some, like Sammy Price from Las Vegas, lean towards Harris due to her unifying rhetoric. Others, like the Winkel couple from Draper, Utah, prefer to keep their religious beliefs separate from their political decisions and plan to conduct independent research before voting.
As the election draws near, the Latter-day Saint community demonstrates a range of political views, reflecting the complexity of balancing religious beliefs with civic engagement. The church's call for peace and civility during this contentious period serves as a reminder of its core values, even as its members navigate the challenging political landscape.