OFFER AND/OR PROMOTE POSITIVE VOTER ACTIVITY

In collaboration with other organizations in your community, you can engage in projects during this election cycle that can address polarization, share trustworthy information, promote safe, positive voting experiences, recruit poll workers, and/or direct your community to polling locations.

For in-depth information on each of these, please refer to the Faith In Elections Playbook from Interfaith America.

Through a grant from Interfaith America, EDSD congregational voter activities can receive up to $100 in reimbursement for limited expenses. Contact Canon for Mission, Jason Evans at jevans@edsd.org for details.

1. Address Polarization
Host conversations across difference in forums, mid-week gatherings, etc.

Resources: Living Room Conversations, Constructive Dialogue Institute, Faith Over Division, Interfaith America’s Shared Values Guide

2. Share Trustworthy Information
a. Add a link to your local election administration website and send elected-related information to your congregants on how to register to vote, dates and times, locations, checking your vote status, etc.

Resources: Vote.org, Vote411.org, U.S. Vote Foundation, National Association of Secretaries of State

b. Partner with local nonpartisan community groups to provide voter-related education.

Resources: Candidate Forums (League of Women Voters/KPBS), Prop Talks/Ballot Reviews (League of Women Voters), Election Security (Registrar of Voters), etc.

3. Promote Safe, Positive Voting Experiences
Election Day can be a joyful celebration of our civic duties and opportunities. You can encourage this by providing food, drink, and a positive presence to those in long lines. Clergy in clericals can also serve as poll chaplains. Check with election officials in your area to ensure volunteers are allowed to provide food and drink.

Resources: Food and Drink Checklist, Pizza to the Polls, Joy to the Polls, Bridging Divides Initiative’s Bystander Guide

4. Recruit Poll Workers
Nonpartisan poll workers help our elections run smoothly for everyone. The more poll workers available, the shorter lines for voters. Poll workers are trained and paid for their labor.

Resources: Power to the Polls, Recruit Poll Workers Email Template, Poll Worker Preparedness Checklist, Poll Worker Requirements by State

5. Direct Your Community to Polling Locations
More polling locations ensure that more citizens can vote. Your congregations can provide spaces for voting or assist at another.

Resources: Tips for Churches that will Provide Polling Places, ELCA Guide to Churches Hosting Polls, Jewish Partnership for Democracy Guide for Polling Places, Safety and Security Recommendations, National Conference of State Legislatures Polling Locations List