Ashley Erickson

Ashley Erickson is a student at BYU Law School where she’s the President of the American Constitution Society. She’s also a former speed skater who competed nationally. Her political views are a reflection of her love of the gospel.

How did you gain your testimony of the gospel?

I realized as a teenager that I had to either be committed to the Church or not, that there wasn’t any middle ground. I decided to find out if it was true by searching out the truth for myself. I eventually came to a personal decision that it was true. My testimony has also been strengthened by my church service, especially my mission in Belgium/Netherlands and my time spent as a missionary preparation insructor in my ward.

Where do you consider yourself to be on the political spectrum?

I consider myself a moderate progressive. I definitely lean more to the left of the political spectrum, but I also realize that one political party cannot possibly encompass all of my personal beliefs and positions. Being an LDS progressive is not difficult. My religious beliefs do not dictate that I have to belong to one party or the other.

How does your faith impact your political outlook?

My religious beliefs have a a huge effect on my political beliefs. My religious beliefs have influenced how I feel about social programs and the need to help those around me because we are all God’s children. It has also influenced my views on education — that there needs to be more government funding for education and more equality in education through out the country.

My religious beliefs also have a large impact on how I view moral issues. One example is that I see the LDS Church’s stance on many issues as being more moderate than that of most conservatives. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, but I also support civil unions and believe that there should be equality for all people no matter what their sexual orientation.

How has law school affected your outlook?

Being in law school has helped me realize that the law is such a powerful tool to help people, and that if it is used effectively, it can benefit so many. I think it is the responsibility of people in government and other influential positions to use the law to help provide better opportunities for all Americans.

How did your parents influence your political beliefs?

Growing up one of my parents was a registered Democrat and the other was a registered Republican. However, I soon learned that they often voted for the same people and felt similarly about political issues. I realized that it was important to do research issue-by-issue and candidate-by-candidate and not just rely on party affiliations. I also learned from my parents that it is important for me to find out what issues I care most about and make sure I vote for people who also care about those issues.

Posted on January 10, 2012. Photography by Kaitlyn Janis. Video by Talk About Productions.