People from a range of religious backgrounds are being trained to serve as poll chaplains and peacekeepers ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections.
The volunteers are not government election officials. Instead, participating organisations describe the role as a nonpartisan effort to provide a calm presence around polling locations, offer basic voter information and help de-escalate conflicts.
Faith-based groups involved in the initiative say the role is intended to support voters regardless of political affiliation or religious background.
An unofficial role focused on keeping the peace
Poll chaplains typically operate outside polling locations and are trained to respond to tense situations without becoming involved in partisan activity.
Their responsibilities can include helping voters find reliable election information, assisting vulnerable voters and encouraging people involved in disputes to remain calm. Some programmes also train volunteers to document or report concerns involving voter intimidation or interference.
The Faiths United to Save Democracy programme describes its poll chaplains and peacekeepers as volunteers trained to provide a calm, prayerful presence and de-escalate potential conflicts while following instructions from election officials and law enforcement.
Training brings together different faiths
The initiative is explicitly interfaith. Training and recruitment efforts have involved Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities, among others.
Faiths United to Save Democracy is operating in nine priority states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Its programme combines voter education with election-protection and conflict-de-escalation training.
Other religious organisations have also encouraged members to consider the role. The Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, for example, has promoted poll chaplain training ahead of the November election.
Catholic leaders discuss election participation
Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger has also spoken about the involvement of Catholics in the democratic process.
During a September conference on participation, human dignity and elections, Weisenburger said Catholics could participate through activities including voter registration, nonpartisan poll watching and poll chaplaincy.
He described the current political environment as particularly significant and expressed concern about efforts that could discourage voting or affect participation.
The archbishop framed the issue through the Catholic Church’s teaching on human dignity and civic responsibility rather than as support for a particular candidate or political party.
Georgetown programme includes poll chaplain training
Georgetown University‘s Center on Faith and Justice is among the organisations involved in election-related preparation.
The university hosted a 2026 election preparedness webinar series covering topics including voter engagement, voting rights, election-related threats and becoming a poll chaplain. The programme runs through October 15.
The center is led by Rev. Jim Wallis, a theologian and public commentator on faith and public life. Georgetown describes the centre’s work as including nonpartisan civic engagement and efforts relating to democracy and voting rights.
Supporters connect the role to religious values
Rev. Jim Wallis has described poll chaplaincy as a faith-based rather than partisan activity.
The argument behind the programme is that religious teachings about the dignity of every person can provide a moral foundation for protecting people’s ability to participate in civic life.
The training therefore focuses not only on election procedures but also on de-escalation, conflict resolution and maintaining a nonpartisan presence.
Franciscan network recruits volunteers
The Franciscan Action Network is another Catholic organisation participating in efforts to recruit election volunteers.
Its strategy director, Robert Christian, has described poll chaplaincy as consistent with Franciscan values surrounding peace and human dignity.
The organisation’s volunteers include friars, sisters, lay Franciscans and other Catholics and Christians.
Christian said the goal is to help ensure voters feel comfortable participating in the election and are able to seek assistance if problems arise.
Concerns about tensions at polling places
Organisers say the training comes amid concerns about heightened political tensions surrounding the 2026 election.
Some programmes are preparing volunteers for situations involving disputes between voters and poll workers, partisan disagreements and other confrontations that could develop near voting locations.
Interfaith America has also included poll chaplains and peacekeepers in its 2026 election guidance, describing their role as providing a peaceful presence, basic voter information and assistance to vulnerable voters.
Election approaches on November 3
The 2026 US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are on the ballot, along with 35 Senate seats and 36 gubernatorial contests.
The election will also include numerous state and local contests and ballot measures.
With polling activity approaching, faith-based organisations are continuing to train volunteers who will operate in an unofficial capacity around voting locations.
Their stated objective is to provide a calm, nonpartisan presence while directing election-related concerns to the appropriate officials and established voter-protection channels.
