Pennsylvania sisters inducted into Voter Hall of Fame
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie, who faced false voter fraud accusations two years ago, were honored this week for their civic engagement and contributions to democracy.
Confronting false voter fraud accusations
“The sisters courageously confronted irresponsible and untrue charges of voter fraud against them,” Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt said.
Reflecting on the accusations, Rep. Robert E. Merski added, “The first thing I thought was, ‘Oh, you messed with the wrong women.'”
Sisters honored for civic engagement
Schmidt visited the monastery to celebrate the sisters’ recognition by the National Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award.
During the visit, he inducted Sisters Marcia Sigler and Rosanne Loneck into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame for voting in at least 50 consecutive November elections. Sister Ann Hoffman was also recognized for her previous service as a poll worker.
Responding with faith and understanding
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie, who have lived and served in the community for 170 years, reflected on the 2020 incident and shared their hope for greater understanding in the future.
“Jesus simply said, welcome the stranger. We did invite those who accused us of not living in the monastery to come to our home,” Sister Linda Romey, coordinator of communications and development for the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, said. “We would have welcomed them. We would have invited them to join us for prayer and dinner, and we would have asked them about what matters to them about their lives and families, their hopes and dreams. In other words, we would have treated them as we treat all those who come to the monastery. It’s humanity 101. It’s love your neighbor.”