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Jan. 25, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I was sorry to read that Cynthia Atkins experienced extreme dismay upon discovering that she would have to enter a church to cast her vote in the Jan. 11 special election. Her discomfort increased when she pulled into the church parking lot. Once inside the church, she became uncomfortable as she “felt the heavy power and symbolism.”
I cannot relate to her dismay and discomfort in the parking lot, but I relate to her feeling the presence of a “power” once inside the church. I feel that power every time I go into a church, but I am overwhelmed with comfort.
I am sorry Ms. Atkins either did not know or could not avail herself of an absentee ballot or early voting at the Rockbridge County Administration building in Lexington. Considering Ms. Atkins aversion to religious messaging, I wonder how she was able to choose a candidate to vote for. Ellen Campbell and Jade Harris represented two different political persuasions, but they both profess a love for Jesus in their campaign profiles. Ms. Campbell thanked God for his guidance both before and during her campaign. Ms. Harris posted a statement that said, “Thank you first to God, who has been my sword and shield and has walked side by side with me on this rocky road.”
Ms. Atkins questions if voting in a church might somehow be un-American. I don’t think so. When I vote, I remind myself of all the women in the world who live in countries where their rights have been obliterated. Women who cannot go to school, cannot freely walk down a public street, can’t have a job, can’t see a doctor, can’t choose who to marry and cannot vote for their own human rights. When I think of them, where I vote is of little consequence, but my right to vote is everything. ANNE RUSSEK Natural Bridge
