Has anyone run for election as an Atheist? The local municipal elections are coming up this fall and nominations have to be in by the end of July. I'm thinking about throwing my hat in the ring to see if I can make a difference but I would sure like to get some feedback before I make the leap.
12
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Simply run as a candidate, not an atheist candidate. I voted for Barack Obama twice, because I thought he was the best candidate. I would NOT have voted for a black candidate. Obama didn't run as a black candidate. And, you shouldn't run as an atheist candidate. Do NOT make it an issue. It's simply part of who you are.
Herb43
Level 3
June 24, 2018
2
I have been openly Atheist for a long time so there is no point in my trying to hide who I am but I agree there is little benefit to broadcasting it either. There is no requirement to list religious affiliation in our elections, a right protected under law in Canada. While Canadians can be more progressive in that area there is still the religious element to deal with and no doubt they will be sharpening their knives for the Atheist candidate at their church socials and bridge clubs. Good luck with that as I managed construction projects for 30 years and my hide is thicker than a rhinoceros hide. 
If asked about religion I will just state that I think it is a personal and private matter that is none of my business or theirs.
Surfpirate
Level 9
June 24, 2018
0
I remember someone running as one some years ago that causes a little splash. There are too many religious people who still fear and mistrust "non-believers" that it didn't make much difference. I mean he had some support but not enough to matter in the elections.
AmyLF
Level 7
June 24, 2018
1
At least one of the two seat holders is stepping down so it could be an acclaimation.
Gary Johnston ran twice for President with his religion listed as
Lutheran (not practicing)
which was about as close to admitting that he was Atheist that he could get and not be attacked and ridiculed.
SkotlandSkye
Level 8
June 24, 2018
1
Be brave. You can do it.
You don't want to have regrets at the end of your life when you're on your death bed.
If you're for the bosses - the media will be easy on you.
If you're for the workers - the media will tear you to shreds.
Ellatynemouth
Level 8
June 24, 2018
1
I've always been the boss and I have always taken care of my workers as part of my extended family, not sure where that leaves me.
As the old kid's song goes: "Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I think I'll go eat worms"
In 1998 the Georgia Republican party would not let me run for office because I'm Wiccan. I wish I had an alternative then.
LeonBarfield
Level 4
June 24, 2018
3
@Stevil I wouldn't be surprised. Religious preference was one of the ways he was crapping all over the constitution. Now he's even crapping all over his public preference of Christianity. Last reports I saw had them filing legally against him because they funded him and now he's dropped his promises.
I think this idiot wants to make a huge mark somewhere, anywhere, and has no clue what consequences to actions means. He can't seem to figure out how he has to be responsible for his actions, especially as a political figure.
Do it, do it, but be prepared for a lot of hate.
Jolanta
Level 9
June 24, 2018
3
Haters Gonna Hate. The best part is I don't care because their hate is their problem. I don't have time for hate, it's a waste of energy and it's a lot like cuddling a cactus because the harder you hold onto it the more it hurts you.
@Surfpirate yes I agree with you, however as you are in the US you will need protection or you will be dead.
@Surfpirate, @Stevil It can but it can also get you killed.
@Jolanta I'm in Canada, we don't even assassinate our Prime Ministers up here. The last guy who got past the Prime Minister's security team got taken down by Prime Minister Chretien himself, hand to the throat, shot to the head and down on the ground. Canadians are polite but they'll punch your lights out if you get in their face, it's just how we play the game. I'm a bit disappointed that our current PM Trudeau didn't punch El Cheeto in the head couple of times on his last visit, might of knocked some sense into him.
Besides, everybody dies, one shouldn't take that shit too seriously.
@Surfpirate Justin is probably way too polite.
Be careful. In some states, atheists are prohibited from running for public office. In all states ThumperZ will dig up any petty little shit on you and use it against you, be it benign or not.
Wrytyr
Level 7
June 24, 2018
3
Fortunately I live in Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination on religious grounds. I hope that America moves forward in that regard, the sooner the better.
you don't want to do that. Run as "undecided agnostic who is spiritual but not religious". you'll need to start learning these things for politics if you actually want to win.
JeffMesser
Level 8
June 24, 2018
5
I ams what I ams. - Popeye the Sailorman
Having been openly Atheist for a very long time I wouldn't dream of hiding who I am but I also won't let the religitards make it an issue if I can help it. It's illegal in Canada to discriminate based upon religious affiliation or lack thereof.
Great question, I am curious to see if you get any relevant answers!
JenBeberstein
Level 8
June 24, 2018
1
Go for it, don't make religion or your lack of a big issue.
Frh1gh52
Level 6
June 24, 2018
2
Good Advice. Thank You
DO IT!
The only wall we need to worry about building is the one between church and state!
BeardedWonder
Level 6
June 24, 2018
8
Agreed!
Yes!
Rebuilding the wall as it was built long ago but the crazy Xstians keep trying to tear it down. Bloody barbarians are always at the gate trying to drag everyone back to the Dark Ages, their ancestral home. 
I think its a great idea to run as an atheist. Even though it won't be popular in the theist community it still helps to get atheists seen and make it the norm. You might not be successful but you would be a pioneer helping to pave the way for future atheists to run for office openly.
Dionysus6
Level 5
June 24, 2018
2
I will run if I think I can win but only if I think I can win. I don't tilt at windmills anymore, you just get smashed by the windvanes and it's not a dragon anyway, it's just a windmill for grinding grain.
@Surfpirate Funny you say that I'm actually reading Don Quixote now lol
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