In response to the Black Lives Matter protests, and the murder of George Floyd, Bethel offered a bi-monthly Zoom program that met Thursday evenings beginning June 25. The purpose was three-fold: to better understand what the protests were about; to educate ourselves about the history of racial injustice; and to provide support for those who were deeply troubled by the protests. This forum was shared in the Weekly Highlights and during Sunday morning spoken announcements and it was open to all members of Bethel. That group viewed a number of films (Just Mercy, The Hate You Give, 13th and Good Trouble). Two sessions focused on Congressman John Lewis’ dedication to voter rights. Mr. Lewis championed the truth that “the right to vote is the most powerful non-violent tool we have.”
 
Inspired by John Lewis’ tenacity to defend the right to vote, the Bethel group that met over the summer felt that it was important to provide essential information to our congregation that would help all of us vote. Make a plan to vote with the resources gathered below.
 
Oregonians should have their ballot in their mailbox the week of Oct. 14. Oregon will let you mail your ballot in for free. You may prefer to drop it at your county election office as mail service may be delayed. Washington County Election Office has moved.  The new address is 2925 NE Aloclek Dr, Suite 170, Hillsboro, OR 97124. There will be far fewer ballot drop boxes due to COVID -19. For example, Washington County public libraries are temporarily closed and will NOT offer drop boxes. Click link for more information: https://www.co.washington.or.us/AssessmentTaxation/Elections/CurrentElection/current-ballot-drop-sites.cfm
 
Ballot Delivery help needed?  Call, text or email Nancy Winston if you want a Bethel Voting Team member to pick up your ballot. It will be done safely, then dropped at the county election office. winstonj@comcast.net, (503) 544-3323.
 
Ballots are due NOVEMBER 3, 8PM PST. Voting SOONER is better! Ensure your voice is heard.
 
Have you moved?  Not registered?
OREGON REGISTER https://secure.sos.state.or.us/orestar/vr/register.do?lang=eng by Oct. 13.
WASHINGTON REGISTER https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx by Oct. 26.
 
ASK your friends and relatives to vote. North Carolina residents already have their ballots.
 
Other questions? Send them in. Ken Ruse has volunteered to find someone to answer them from our Bethel Voting Team.  zken@tongaken.org