Faith Leaders Unite Across Religions to Counter Potential Voter Intimidation on Election Day
An interfaith coalition is training and certifying clergy members and lay volunteers to serve as “poll chaplains” and peacekeepers during the November 3 election. As of October 19, Faiths United in Saving Democracy said it had recruited 1,235 volunteers for polling locations in nine states. Participants receive instruction in de-escalation, immigrant rights and whom to contact when problems arise. Wearing identifying clothing, they plan to remain outside polling places, offer reassurance to voters and report possible intimidation or dangerous situations rather than intervene physically. The Associated Press The initiative originated largely within the Black church but now includes Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Quaker leaders, along with secular participants. Organizers describe it as strictly nonpartisan: volunteers are there to protect people’s ability to vote, not promote candidates or challenge ballots.