Election Day is about to look a little different in some parts of America.
More than 1,200 clergy members and volunteers are preparing to station themselves outside polling places across nine states. These volunteers are expected to serve as “poll chaplains” and “peacekeepers.”
According to The Associated Press, Faiths United in Saving Democracy had recruited 1,235 volunteers as of Oct. 19 ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Premier Christian News reports the volunteers will be deployed in Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virginia.
Although it uses the term “chaplain,” this is not strictly a Christian operation.
The coalition includes Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Quaker, Buddhist and nonreligious volunteers. The AP shared that most participating organizations are moderate or progressive.
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These chaplains are assigned to keep the peace. However, some of what these “poll chaplains” are being trained to address goes beyond simply calming heated confrontations.
According to the AP, volunteers are receiving instruction in conflict de-escalation, immigrant rights and how to respond to potential problems outside polling locations.
This is not an explicitly Christian ministry sending pastors into America’s communities to preach the gospel, pray with voters or provide biblical counsel. More than a “poll chaplain,” the nation needs the church to be the church, the light of the world. While we should seek peace, our ultimate hope is not found in a political candidate, but in the One who gave everything for us: Jesus Christ.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
