Washington, DC — The Secular Coalition for America released a statement following the 2018 midterm elections.
Statement by Larry T. Decker, Executive Director of the Secular Coalition for America
“Yesterday millions of nonreligious voters across the country made their voices heard at the ballot box and sent a powerful message to lawmakers, politicians, and pundits that our constituency can no longer be ignored. For the past two years, Congressional leadership actively collaborated with Trump Administration’s efforts to promote religious privilege at the expense of our civil rights. It is no surprise then that exit poll data, along with surveys conducted before the election, suggest that turnout for nonreligious voters increased from 2016 and overwhelmingly favored Democratic candidates. This election generated a groundswell of support that will have an impact for many elections to come. Nonreligious voters are engaged in the political process and the Secular Coalition for America will continue to organize this growing constituency into a political force to be reckoned with.”
“Nonreligious Americans are not just casting votes, they are running for office and they are winning in historic numbers. A preliminary analysis of candidates endorsed by the Freethought Equality Fund suggests that at least 36 openly nonreligious candidates, including atheists and agnostics, won their elections (and re-elections) for state and federal offices. Their victories point to a positive trend that, increasingly, voters no longer consider religion a prerequisite for public office.”
“More than one-quarter of Americans identify as nonreligious. Our community has the power and potential to swing elections and transform the political landscape. Like any other constituency, nonreligious Americans are united by shared priorities, values, and a vision for what our country can be. The Secular Coalition for America will continue our work to ensure that their voices are heard at the ballot box on Election Day and on Capitol Hill every day.”
Contact: Casey Brescia
Senior Communications Associate and Spokesman
[email protected]
(845)-380-6201
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The Secular Coalition for America is the nation’s premier advocacy organization representing atheists, humanists, agnostics, and other nontheists. Its mission is to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all. The Secular Coalition represents 19 voting member organizations.
