In a recent incident in Erie, Pennsylvania, a Republican canvasser mistakenly accused a Catholic monastery of engaging in voter fraud. The canvasser claimed that there were 53 registered voters at the address on East Lake Road, but none actually lived there. However, it turned out that the address was home to 55 Benedictine Sisters of Erie, who have been residing there for decades.
The monastery, established in the 1850s, is a well-established institution in Erie, with deep roots in the community. The sisters, who are nonpartisan, were surprised by the accusations of fraud leveled against them and emphasized their commitment to peace, justice, and community service.
Local officials have been working to combat misinformation and false claims about voter fraud, which have been circulating on social media. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt reached out to the monastery to thank them for standing up against election disinformation.
Despite the intense campaigning in Erie County, the Benedictine Sisters remain focused on their work and civic duty. Many of the sisters, who were teachers and social workers in their earlier years, continue to be actively involved in various ministries and community services.
The incident highlights the challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of verifying claims before spreading them. The Benedictine Sisters have called for accountability and urged the individual responsible for the false accusations to retract their statements.
As the election approaches, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process, free from unfounded allegations and misinformation. The Benedictine Sisters of Erie stand as a testament to the importance of upholding democratic values and engaging in civic responsibilities.
