Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this really an official Church?
Yes. The Church of Universal Suffrage is officially registered with the States of Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, and Michigan as a non-profit religious organization. We hold regular, weekly Sunday Services in meditation on the nature of voter suppression with thousands of members across the United States. We have Ministers and members in all 50 States, as well as international members and Ministers.
Was the Church created as a form of satire?
No. We truly believe in the idea that all people are created equal and that we are all endowed by our Creator with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The right to vote is an extension of these rights and the violation of this right through voter suppression is a sin. Voting is the primary right by which all other rights are protected and it is sacred.
Has the Church obtained IRS recognition of tax-exempt status?
No. We have not obtained IRS recognition of tax exempt status, because we do not accept donations, nor do we conduct financial transactions of any kind. The Church of Universal Suffrage is capable of existing and expanding without donations simply through passionate members wanting to help and volunteer. We ask that you donate to a local charity of your choice instead.
Does the Church have any sacred texts or founding documents?
Yes.
The 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, which states that the right to vote is sacred and that it is an inalienable, Natural Right endowed to us by our Creator.
The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”
And The Book of Universal Suffrage
Does the Church support any political party or candidate?
No. The Church of Universal Suffrage does not support any party or candidate and we do not have an official stance on any political issues or policies. We are a neutral institution and we ask all members to contact us immediately if a Minister ever tries to pressure them to vote a certain way. This is a form of voter suppression and we do not allow it. We only support everyone's liberty to make these decisions for themselves.
What sort of community outreach does the Church do?
We help keep voters informed and prepared for upcoming elections. We help people get registered to vote, provide them with local election info and locations of polling places, inform people about their local state election laws, and answer any questions they have about voting. We also help with providing voting rights information to felons that are denied the right to vote.
Where does the Church stand on Voter ID laws?
We hold a religious objection against members of the Church being photographed in order to exercise their right to vote.
Where does the Church stand on the voting rights of convicted criminals?
Felony disenfranchisement, by definition, conflicts with principles of universal suffrage. We believe in the idea that we are all endowed by our Creator with the right to vote. This applies to everyone. We all have the right to vote, it is a sacred right, and you can't take away this right - you can only prevent people from exercising that right.
What does being a Minister entail?
We are looking for people that are interested in taking on a leadership role in their State: educating people in your city about the Church, helping find new members, community outreach helping people get registered to vote, etc.
Where can I find important voter information?
Please visit our list of Voter Resources and Helpful Links.