LDS members encouraged to participate in political process

SALT LAKE CITY — The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter February 20, 2016 that was to be read from the pulpit Sunday to Church congregations throughout Utah. The letter encouraged members to participate in the political process.

This is the content of the letter:

Dear Brothers and Sisters: Our communities and our state are best served when Utah citizens fully engage in the political process through caucus meetings, primaries, and other political mechanisms. We are concerned that citizen participation rates in Utah are among the lowest in the nation, and we urge greater involvement by members of the Church in the 2016 election cycle. This year, candidates for state and federal offices will be nominated both in a petition process and in political party conventions. Precinct caucuses for all registered political parties will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. We ask that local leaders not schedule meetings on March 22 so that members may participate in a caucus meeting of their choice. It is important to remember that engaging in the election process is both a privilege and a significant responsibility regardless of one's political inclinations, and that principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of the various political parties. Sincerely yours, (Signed) Thomas S. Monson Henry B. Eyring Dieter F. Utchdorf

The letter also included information about participating in the political process in Utah:

Under Utah law, this year candidates for state and federal offices will be nominated both in a petition process and in political party conventions. Therefore, in addition to registering and voting in the primary and general elections, participating in Utah elections in 2016 means two things: (1) encouraging good people to run for office by signing their candidate petitions, and (2) participating in party caucus meetings that will select delegates to the respective party conventions where candidates will also be nominated. Precinct caucuses for all registered political parties will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Besides selecting delegates for party nominating conventions in April, caucus attendees will also vote for U.S. presidential candidates. The locations of these meetings can be found on the websites of the respective parties. Details on how to participate in a caucus meeting, and if desired become a delegate, may be found at http://www.caucus.utah.gov.