Immigrants, Democracy and Elections

Over the course of the 20th century, immigrants arrived in the U.S. in large numbers, but faced large formal and informal barriers to full integration. This has been particularly the case for political integration: immigrants--even today--vote at much lower levels than other citizen groups. Heath places the recent struggles for immigrants to gain political representation into a century-long struggle for rights and recognition. Drawing on historic and quantitative research, Brown argues that civic and advocacy groups that represent immigrants have a major role to play during elections, but they, too, face new barriers in the form of voter suppression policies. The Ethical Culture Society of Essex County is a progressive non-theist religion dedicated to living ethically in a complex world. Founded in 1876 and established in Maplewood in 1945, over the years the ethical culture movement (known as the American Ethical Union) has been instrumental in launching Planned Parenthood, the NAACP, Visiting Nurses, New York Settlement House, Fieldston School, and National Ethical Service at the U.N. The Society began a long-running Ethics for Children program and most recently, Essex Time Exchange (a time bank facilitating the exchange of services) among other initiatives. The Maplewood Society was the first peace site in the country. Its motto is: to act so as to bring out the best in ourselves by bringing out the best in others. Contact information: 973-763-1905; www.essexethical.org. Join us for weekly programs, discussions, and fellowship Sundays at 11 am. All are welcome.