In this election year, we reaffirm the Church’s long-standing policy of political neutrality. The Church does not endorse any political party, political platform, or candidate. Church facilities, directories, and mailing lists are not to be used for political purposes.

Candidates for public office should not imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders, and Church leaders and members should avoid statements or conduct that may be interpreted as Church endorsement of any political party or candidate. In addition, members who hold public office should not give the impression they represent the Church as they work for solutions to social problems.

We urge Church members to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully and then vote for those they believe will most nearly carry out their ideas of good government. Latter-day Saints are under special obligation to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are “wise,” “good,” and “honest” (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10).

As personal circumstances allow, we encourage men and women in the Church to serve in public offices of either election or appointment—including school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and national offices.

The First Presidency

Years ago a RS counsellor passed out flyers for the Social credit Party (in BC) after Relief Society one Sunday, and when I protested, she got allhuffy and said ” we are supposed to vote and be involved”. Well, yeah. But that doesn’t mean I like the Socreds nor am I going to feel obligated to vote for them. It bothers me when members of the Church feel they should push their political agenda on other members and believe we should all vote the same way.

If membership lists are used in such a fashion, or forwarded to a third party for use, the church may be in a situation where civil or criminal actions could be initiated.

…and that would be a bad thing.