Faith leaders unite across religions to counter voter intimidation on Election Day
Coalition has recruited 1,235 volunteers to stand outside polling places and help voters feel safe, organizers said.
- Co-Founder Barbara Williams-Skinner announced that 1,235 poll chaplains and peacekeepers will deploy to nine states, including Arizona and Texas, wearing identifying vests to encourage voter participation during the midterm elections.
- Following the 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a Pew survey found 85% of Americans believe political violence is rising, motivating the initiative to address intimidation concerns at polling places.
- Faith leaders like Rev. Steve Bland of Detroit's Liberty Temple Baptist Church receive conflict resolution training to assist intimidated voters. Bland previously intervened to ensure three people cast ballots during a prior election.
- Williams-Skinner warned that potential federal immigration agent presence could create a 'chilling effect,' though the Department of Homeland Security stated there are no plans to send agents to the polls.
- This nonpartisan movement unites Mainline Protestants, Quakers, imams, and rabbis who have not worked together in the past, all focused on ensuring people can vote, unafraid.
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PBS NewsHour
BizTocNonpartisan coalition of religious leaders plans to counter voter intimidation on Election Day
The diverse, multifaith group is training all the way through the end of October online and in person learning de-escalation techniques and equipping themselves with knowledge of local laws and resources.
Washington Times
The New York LedgerDivine intervention at the polls? Interfaith clergy deploy to nine states ahead of Nov. 3
In battleground states across the country, faith leaders and hundreds of their colleagues will assume the role of poll chaplains for one day. They will deploy to nine states -- Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia and Texas -- where contentious races are expected to raise political tensions.
Clarin
Independent EspañolReligious leaders of various beliefs mobilize as electoral chaplains in key U.S. states to guarantee secure and peaceful elections.The interfaith coalition seeks to reduce fear of voting, empowering chaplains to support voters in a climate of growing political violence.
Faith leaders unite across religions to counter voter intimidation on
Rev. Medina Moore, voting rights organizer for the Arizona Faith Network (AFN), and Rev. Dr. Katie Sexton, AFN's executive director, lead a training for poll chaplains and peacekeepers, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, ahead of the upcoming general midterm election, at Temple Chai in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rebecca Noble)
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