Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live BlazeCast at 2pm ET: All the fireworks from the IRS Hearing!

Faith

Should Churches Be Used as Polling Places? Atheists & Church-State Separatists Say ‘No’ (Poll)

Nov. 8, 2012 10:25am

Church-state separatists — and, in particular, atheists — tend to complain about a wide variety of issues pertaining to religious influence in public life. But what about houses of worship doubling as polling locations, a topic that receives little coverage? While many Americans cast their electoral ballots inside schools and other public buildings, some are also required, should they choose to vote in person, to do so inside of church buildings.

This week,Β CNN took a lookΒ at the issue, recapping some perspectives that highlight the pros and cons associated with allowing (or, in some peoples’ words “forcing”) Americans to cast their votes inside houses of worship. While church-state separatists argue that holding official polling inside of these structures constitutes an improper intermixing of faith and governance, other dismiss such a notion.

Should Churches Be Used as Polling Places? | Elections

Some of the Twitter reaction CNN captured among those with views on polling at church locations

On one hand, it could be argued that churches simply aren’t appropriate as polling stations. After all, depending on the denomination, associations with more liberal or conservative ideals may be embraced. One could claim that, even if it is rooted in theΒ subconscience, houses of worship might cause voters to second-guess their views on specific issues at the polls.

Still, those supportive of using churches for this purpose would likely dismiss this view, while also highlighting societal roles that religious institutions have traditionally played. From feeding the poor to serving as Β places of refuge, American houses of worship have a history of helping those in need and serving as community epicenters for change and the betterment of the public welfare.

If churches are so much a part of society — and the local community — that they regularly feed the poor and assist the downtrodden in times of trouble, why should they not also serve as hubs in the electoral process, these critics might ask.

Considering the policy views and political activity that some churches embrace and engage in, though, the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director ofΒ Americans United for Separation of Church and State, is an opposing voice when it comes to answering whether churches should double as polling places.

Should Churches Be Used as Polling Places? | Elections

People wait outside Mt.Bethel Baptist Church in Washington, DC on November 6, 2012 as Americans headed to the polls Tuesday after a burst of last-minute campaigning by President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney in a nail-biting contest unlikely to heal a deeply polarized nation.Β Credit: AFP/Getty Images

“All of this church-based political activity makes me uneasy about casting ballots in houses of worship, especially those festooned with political signs,” Lynn wrote in a recent CNN op-ed. “And yet today, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of churches around the country are being pressed into service as polling places.”

Lynn claims that his group receives regular complaints that churches are used when there is another location — a library, school or community center — that could easily act as a voting locality.Β Now, the church-state separatist’s concern over influence is certainly an interesting one. After all, consider the Colorado church that served as a polling place this year, while also choosing to leave up its anti-abortion display (an action that captivated headlines).

However, just as concerning as this anecdotal example may be, secular locations also have their problems (i.e. the pro-Obama mural present on the wall at a Philadelphia school). While one could argue that voting in a church may cause individuals to pause and reconsider their views on controversial social issues, wouldn’t voting in a school or library potentially impact voters’ perspective on budgets and funding for theseΒ localitiesΒ (this may be a stretch, but you get the idea).

What do you think? Should churches be used as polling places? Take the poll, below:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (126)

1 2 3
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:07am

    There’s something to be said about the idea of Obama voters defiling churches. (btw, I vote at a church)

    Report this comment

    SquidVetOhio  
    • Female
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:01pm

      Unfortunately, the Catholic churches are very friendly to the policies of the democrats and the leftist?

      Report this comment

      Female  
    • Hanner
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:22pm

      Atheist–”I’m not setting foot in that place.” LOL That was a given. What’s the matter chicken…..afraid something might get you?????

      Report this comment

      Hanner  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 1:04pm

      If Where you have to vote makes that big of a deal to someone, why do they have voting at schools? Aren’t you afraid that someone might try to teach you something, like the CONSTITUTION ? Troublemaking for troublemakings sake? Wussie

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 2:35pm

      My town voted inside a church. My county was blue, and instrumental in getting the 50% needed for my state to vote Obama.

      Also I live in Ohio. I feel ashamed. Both of my county, my state, but myself also.

      Report this comment

      The_Cabrito_Goat  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 3:13pm

      I wish I could vote at a mosque just so I could do the cool little β€œla la la la la la” chant afterwords like they do.

      Report this comment

      SquidVetOhio  
    • iampraying4u
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 3:32pm

      Where do you want to hold them in a bar

      Report this comment

      iampraying4u  
    • Tracker3
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 5:29pm

      My church is one of the polling places. We even serve them coffee. Never pass up a chance to be civil.

      Report this comment

      Tracker3  
    • obama-stopper
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 8:13pm

      Here goes a hint and a half for their collective unGodly azzezzzz. Dont go near a church! Let those of us who love & worship God vote as we choose, where we choose, in any church we choose. You stay away from us as we vote, and we’ll let you vote whereever you choose.

      Report this comment

      obama-stopper  
    • Hanner
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 8:22pm

      SQUID–you got it wrong man……it’s le le le le le le le le , i kill you infidel!!! hahahahaha

      Report this comment

      Hanner  
    • Hanner
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 9:19pm

      I know why Atheists don’t want to vote in churches. They don’t want to be reminded of their sin and repent. Sinners run from conviction like a vampire from a crucifix.

      Report this comment

      Hanner  
    • liberty belle
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:44pm

      after hearing a lot about voter fraud and misbehavior after this last election, i’d be happy to hand my ballot over to a priest or pastor!

      Report this comment

      liberty belle  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on November 9, 2012 at 12:35pm

      If the Government has voting-in-churchs…it hasto allow voting in synnaggogs and MOSKS!!!
      I am Christian and don’t want Jihadist-MOSKS to have anything to do with voting in our US.A.!!! There is way-too-much voterfraud already!! There is already, judges in our U.S.A. who let ShariaLaw and Communisn to influence their rullings…IN THE U.S.A.!!

      Report this comment

      G-WHIZ  
  • Call2Action
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:04am

    Some people hate God so much, it is appalling. For years the church down the road was used as a polling place. It was warm in winter and cool in the summer, with comfortable chairs to sit in while waiting, and lots of parking places. Then idiots like the ones in this article complained that he would not set foot inside, even to vote. So the polling place was moved. Now it is in an unheated, unairconditioned building with only two metal chairs to sit on and almost no parking. Fools, every one.

    Report this comment

    Call2Action  
    • Female
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:58am

      Early voting and absentee ballots would help them not feel the burning rage.

      Report this comment

      Female  
    • iampraying4u
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 3:36pm

      You should be scared of a church after you vote for abamanation

      Report this comment

      iampraying4u  
    • Chatikh
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 4:06pm

      @IAMPRAYING4U

      Lol, you’ve probably forgotten since the politicians and pastors and priests tell you otherwise, but voting for a person is not a sin. Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn’t know their Christianity. This is coming from an atheist, so if I know this, so should you.

      Report this comment

      Chatikh  
  • wvgirl
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:03am

    @BillyHallowell Tell them to pound sand! I am sick to death of two people telling the rest of the FREE world what is right and wrong. I will not cower in the face of their bullying any longer. I will not apologize for what I think, what I believe, what I say. I WILL NOT COMPLY! And neither should you. I can’t believe this is even something that warrants a conversation. Why do you give credence and space to every nonsensical temper tantrum spewed by these idots. You give them credibility just by posing their idiodic nonsense. Not everything is worthy of debate. Yet, here we are wasting time with these dog dungs of society. I WILL NOT COMPLY!

    As you can see from the “vote” above, the majority disagrees by a huge margin, yet, I guarantee, the conservatives will roll over and allow these minions of Satan to dictate to the rest of society what we will and won’t do. I am FED UP!! As Krauthammer said to the Muslim “protesters” when they destroyed the U.S. flag and replaced it with a flag similar to the one used by Al-Qaeda β€” all on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks: GO TO HE*L! See here:
    Krauthammer to Rioting Islamists Who Destroyed American Flag on 9/11 Anniversary: β€˜Go to Hell’.

    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/krauthammer-to

    This is the tactic we should all adopt if we are to stop the abuse and takeover of our constitutional freedoms. Let me say it one more time in case you didn’t hear it the first time: GO TO HE*L!!

    Report this comment

    wvgirl  
  • Ecomposer
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:01am

    @ecomposer: Atheists (who typically marvel more than others at the possibility of extra-terrestrial intelligent life via codes floating through the galaxy and think our living genetic code is evolutionarily labile and random) should be broadly suggesting where we may or may not vote? Do the people at SETI know about this?

    Report this comment

    Ecomposer  
  • cammied76
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:01am

    No one is asking you convert when you walk in the door, you are there to vote.

    I don’t send my daughter to a public school, but that doesn’t mean that I disagree with a school being a polling place.

    Athiests really need to stop being so thin-skinned. It’s absolutely ridiculous!

    Report this comment

    cammied76  
    • Hiswill
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 1:54pm

      Do you think these Atheists would even think twice about going to a church to receive free food or a warm place to stay in a disaster?

      Report this comment

      Hiswill  
    • goahead.makemyday
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 2:21pm

      Why is it a problem? If they were truly Atheistic to them it would just be another building that is kind of pointless.

      Report this comment

      goahead.makemyday  
    • coolidge
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 8:43pm

      I suspect the true atheist doesn’t care. It is just a building. It is the ones who are trying to convince themselves there is no God who makes all the noise. “Me thinks they protest too much.” I can see where they would be quite uncomfortable voting in a church building. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it would be for a man who beats his wife to vote in a battered women’s shelter?

      Report this comment

      coolidge  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:00am

    Who gives a damn.
    The mice have gotten into the bag of grain and you can’t stop the grain from spilling out onto the floor for all to feed on.
    It doesn’t matter where they feed…. in the bag or on the floor….. the bag is now broken.
    Us birds will be able to feed for a while — but the bag is broken and the contents are spilling all over the floor. The cockroaches will come. The mice will come. The rats will come. Eventually the worms will come and the grain will run out or spoil from all the cockroach poop that is mixed in the grain.
    We – as a nation of birds – are now screwed because we allowed the mice to get to the bag.
    Are mice bad? No. Mice are just mice.
    But they have a nasty habit of eating themselves to death if the food is there.
    Goodbye America.
    It was nice while it lasted.

    Report this comment

    Eric_The_Red_State  
  • NineteenEighty4
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:00am

    This wouldn’t bother me one bit. In fact, I would imagine that voting against the religious right inside one of their own churches would be a very satisfying act of irony.

    Report this comment

    NineteenEighty4  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:31pm

      I’m sure voting against God’a word was very satisfying for you wherever you voted.

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:58am

    They are generally large buildings with ample parking and are closed on Tuesday anyway. Get over it.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
    • justangry
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:33am

      You know I don’t give a crap for the sensible/pragmatic reason you just stated. For the same reason I don’t care if religious folks use state facilities that would otherwise not be utilized.

      Report this comment

      justangry  
  • The Giver
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:55am

    Blaze, can you stop auto refreshing the page, it sends comments before we’re ready to send it.
    Churches should be used for informing the flock of the God based policies of the candidates but maybe not for voting itself.

    Report this comment

    The Giver  
    • HotFixIt
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:53am

      This new ‘auto refresh’ is driving me crazy. It has wiped out several comments before I was ready to send and I has spent time writing them… I agree…. please stop.

      Report this comment

      HotFixIt  
    • jcldwl
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:02pm

      How could they gather all our info from our browser if they didn’t continually auto refresh. The Blaze system for posting period is pathetic. Always have to log out and log in to post then it takes us to this new page asking what we want to log into. I click log in on THE BLAZE. What do you think I want to log into. Then after logging in it takes you to your profile instead of back to the story you were wanting to post to. I guess we who are paying to build Glenn’s network of everything can’t afford a sensible web design person.

      Report this comment

      jcldwl  
    • Carrie3570
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:03pm

      I’ll mention the auto-refresh problem in the blazecast today. I had the same thing happen to me.

      Report this comment

      Carrie3570  
    • Hiswill
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 1:57pm

      Best thing to do is compose your comment on Word and transfer it over.

      Report this comment

      Hiswill  
  • kaydeebeau
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:50am

    Well Gee Whiz genius – the closest libray to me is 10 miles away – there are 10 churches within 2 miles – the closest “community” center is non-existant.

    Here’s a thought, atheists and those who are ofended by having to go into the fellowship hall of a church to vote – vote early or get a mail in ballot.

    the reason churches are used is because they are everywhere the people who will be voting are located there by making polling places readily accessible to those who vote

    Mititant Atheists – just shut up -

    Report this comment

    kaydeebeau  
  • mixplix
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:49am

    These atheists would bitch if they were hung with a new rope. You have the freedom to leave, other countries do not allow that freedom.

    Report this comment

    mixplix  
  • comothy
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:48am

    Well for one most people dont even know what Seperation of Church and State means….. and the County I live in usees teh Vote Center model that allows you to vote anywhere in the county and depends on churches to for room and the ability of existing wiring to allow the Vote Center to run. I am in charge of working the technology that gets these vote centers up and running and it is extremely hard to get connectivity in places so Churches play a huge role in this.

    Report this comment

    comothy  
    • Ilikepeople
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:01am

      It should be called Separation of religion and State, because if someone really is part of the one true church, then there usually is an automatic Separation of Church and State, because high in my mind is Liberty, and if I impose my perception of Liberty on you, then it isn’t Liberty for you.

      Report this comment

      Ilikepeople  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:47am

    If I hear someone else spew their ignorance about the 1st Amendment( separation of Church and State)
    I think I’ll SCREEM.

    Report this comment

    paperpushermj  
    • HK91
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:53am

      And the funny part the libs violate their own lie of separation of church and state all time

      Report this comment

      HK91  
  • lonwarner2
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:45am

    Why don’t you atheists just close your eyes when you go to vote and pretend you are in a library and don’t open those eyes until you get into the voting booth. There! You people are really creepy especially Barry (so called Rev) Lynn. We will be praying for you. You do really need Christ.

    Report this comment

    lonwarner2  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:56am

      This is harsh, but I am going to say it anyway for at this point we are losing it all. Atheists, go to an atheistic country, Hispanics, go back to Mexico and protest and fight for what you want in your own country – it is oil rich and could become prosperous if your leaders weren’t so corrupt, Cubans, go back to Cuba and fight for freedom and stop trying to change America into a Communistic dictatorship like you had with Castro, Blacks, try to be Americans and not African Americans. If you are so attached to Africa, go there to live. I am tired of all these people trying to change America. Stay if you love the Republic we HAD and lost and help us fight to get it back or go somewhere else, please. This is the most seriouse time in the world and these petty fights like not having polling in a church are ignorant. We are in for hard and difficult times and each of these groups have brought all this to existance. Wake up or die in the carnage to our Republic, it is coming and quickly. God bless those who have pure hearts and fight for freedom. And not the freedom to do anything you want, but the freedom to live within moral and civic responsibility.

      Report this comment

      NHwinter  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 11:45am

      Well, winter, . . . that may be the folly of the “bring me your huddled masses”. . . .and this “melting pot”. Freedom of speech is a good thing, . . . . . but CAN backfire on you when you allow TOO many dissenting voices in the country. But that is this America. Wasn’t it called “the great experiment”? If that is true, I’m not really sure how well the “experiment” is going. Time will tell.

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:09pm

      DeavonReye – You’ll have to excuse my very heavy heart this morning. I thought people used to come to America for what we offered them: freedom, opportunity, etc. I guess that has changed. Now they want their own country in America. My question is, why did you leave your country to come here if you love your country so much?

      Report this comment

      NHwinter  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:31pm

      I can’t answer why they do what they do. I feel for you. I really do. I’m not religious, but coming from that past, I can surely empathize with what christians see as “a country sinking further into sin”. For me, it isn’t an issue with “being religious”. I am agnostic. I don’t need the fear of “eternal punishment” to behave well. Unfortunately, it seems that others do, . . . . but still act less than desirable for a nation of growth. I understand.

      I’m conservative in my political leanings. I wish people would BE american, if they’re going to come here. But sometimes it seems like others come here and attempt to make it like their former land. The irony is, no doubt, lost on them.

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 1:57pm

      I apologize to Cubans for my previous remarks. I have come to learn that most are Republicans and love America.

      Report this comment

      NHwinter  
    • goahead.makemyday
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 2:29pm

      “My question is, why did you leave your country to come here if you love your country so much?”
      To say it simply They try to get the fruit if what other people have grown AND the support (see dependence) from their old countries.

      Report this comment

      goahead.makemyday  
    • U4eeeahhh
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 7:17pm

      @NHWINTER – What you present is a new twist on the old “America, Love it or Leave it” taunt from the 1960s. But really is being a atheist so unAmerican? Maybe not. There’s precedent and increased acceptance of being non-Christian. Thomas Jefferson rewrote the New Testament to remove all the magic and supernatural contents and what remained was a bunch of sayings and parables. Atheists are in opposition to the magic and supernatural of religions, nothing wrong with the “Golden Rule” but virgin birth, raising from the dead, heaven and hell – superstitions and myths. No different from TJs apparoach.

      My disbelief is actually consistent with the fastest growing segment of Americans, the non-believers. The “Nones” as they are sometimes called are now 19% of the population and by some estimates a third of under 35 year olds. People to whom your treasured myths, legends and superstitions have absolutely no meaning, no context in their lives and definitely no primacy in establishing moral imperatives.

      So to say, “Get ye Atheists away from here” and cast them off to an Atheist land is only to send them to New England or the West Coast because Washington and Oregon are as atheist as anywhere in the world.

      Report this comment

      U4eeeahhh  
  • jungle J
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:45am

    Atheists are too radical…if they were hit by a car in front of a church and had to be taken in to be stabilized they would go…they are as fraudulent as the rabid homosexuals and feminist. The sane can see right through them.

    Report this comment

    jungle J  
  • AMickey1126
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:44am

    Does it really matter where they vote? As long as they get to vote, right?

    Report this comment

    AMickey1126  
  • BubbleheadDan
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:41am

    If it was Mosques they would not mind

    Report this comment

    BubbleheadDan  
  • 2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:40am

    If a church is the house of God and an atheist does not believe in God then to them a church should be just another building. So why do they care?

    Report this comment

    2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT  
  • Crackerston
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:37am

    I cringe when I hear someone say “Separation of church and state.” It’s never mentioned anywhere in the constitution or the Bill of Rights. Having a church be a polling place is not the government endorsing a state religion. Call me what you want to call me but diversity is what has killed this nation. Not the different cultures alone but different cultures bringing their third-world, government handout lifestyles here and expecting us to adhere to it. In 1776 we were different cultures striving for the same thing….a free and open society. Wish we could have the same thing now

    Report this comment

    Crackerston  
  • On_The_Spot
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:36am

    Any facility that is open to the public can and should be considered for a polling place. Churches typically have a space that can appropriately be used, much like schools and community centers.

    If these people are so offended, they need to grow a thicker skin.

    Report this comment

    On_The_Spot  
  • TSUNAMI_22
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:35am

    Actually, it might be better to hold them in places like the Employment Development Department, or a soup kitchen, or a Salvation Army station. It might be a great motivator.

    Report this comment

    TSUNAMI_22  
  • Duey2000
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:34am

    I guess that to me, athiests like the ones that complain about having to vote in churches, must have pretty thin skin. I know that many athiests don’t care one way or the other. But if it bothers you so much that somebody says a prayer in public, says “God bless you,” or that you have to vote in a church, then perhaps you are truly uncomfortable with your own choices…

    Report this comment

    Duey2000  
  • Steelhead
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:34am

    ewho really ares besides you Billy.lol

    Report this comment

    Steelhead  
  • Ilikepeople
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:32am

    I think what Atheists are trying to say is that people shouldn’t go up in the temple (you know really high in your mind, because that’s actually where worshiping is done), but of course Atheists mess up the Interpretation, because the fools have said in their heart they have no father. At any rate, who cares if they do polling in Churches, because that isn’t the temple.

    Report this comment

    Ilikepeople  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 10:32am

    Why do some of these militant atheist act as though having anything to do with people of religion or the mere stepping upon church property will do something like this to them?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aopdD9Cu-So

    Report this comment

    RJJinGadsden  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love