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Our right to vote is precious. That right is at the very core of the foundation of our country. And the right to vote must be protected. Now perhaps, as vigorously as ever, as our access seems to be under attack in many ways and on many fronts.

With this in mind, this week, I introduced the EASY (Equal Access to Support Youth) Voting Act.

As an ordained United Methodist Church minister, when I speak at home or around the country, I am exceedingly particular about the language I use to express my support for, or opposition to, political or policy positions. I am humble enough to recognize clearly that the voice of God that I hear is sometimes really my voice in disguise, and therefore I am on guard to prevent my ideology from becoming my theology; to do so is dangerously divisive and further encourages political division.

Growing up, in a love-strong but financially-fragile family, my mother had "good dishes." My three sisters and I rotated the responsibility of washing dishes after each meal. During one of my times to do the dishes, my mother witnessed me carelessly carrying an armful of dishes from the table to the sink; she banned me from washing the good dishes. "Thank you Jesus!"