While others turn to various physical means of feeling secure in response to concerns over post-election unrest, Carrie Fonferek, a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Green Bay, turns to her faith. | Unsplash
While others turn to various physical means of feeling secure in response to concerns over post-election unrest, Carrie Fonferek, a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Green Bay, turns to her faith. | Unsplash
After riots and general unrest marked the midpoint of 2020, some private and public entities are bracing for the potential that election results could spur even more violence.
Regardless of the outcome of the coming election, many see the potential for incidents between extremist wings on the left and right ranging from confrontations to full-scale riots, according to reporting by CNN.
The Sacramento Bee reported in mid-October that businesses catering to survivalists, such as Katadyn North America with their freeze-dried and canned foods, are seeing increasing demand as the election approaches.
At the same time, private security firms across the country are seeing increased demand for their services, with some businesses hiring guards specifically for the first weeks of November, according to coverage by Buzzfeed News. Some of that demand is fueled in locations such as Portland, Oregon by a loss of faith in local law enforcement to be able to keep private property safe from rioters.
And while law enforcement agencies commonly make extra preparations and plan around elections, the Washington Post reported that agencies across the country are taking this election season extra seriously.
For people of faith, however, such physical preparations for security may not make a lot of sense.
Carrie Fonferek, a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Green Bay, told the Green Bay Reporter that her vote will be influenced by her faith, not fear.
“I believe all Catholics should vote and our faith is the reason for voting,” Fonferek said. “Vote for life, liberty and happiness, which happens when we pray for and do our best in following God's Will.”
She also said that she has no issue with people peacefully expressing their views on issues.
“We support peaceful demonstrations for these purposes,” Fonferek told the Green Bay Reporter.
Yet, Fonferek said there may not be a one-size-fits-all answer.
“Violence normally creates more violence,” Fonferek said. “Or as in the case of Saint Joan of Arc, sometimes we need to fight for peace.”
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