Vote Faithfully Election Resources
“If we desire a society of peace, then we cannot achieve such a society through violence. If we desire a society without discrimination, then we must not discriminate against anyone in the process of building this society. If we desire a society that is democratic, then democracy must become a means as well as an end.” Bayard Rustin
“Loving God, creator of this world who is the source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.” Excerpt, Prayers of the People for an Election*
For people of faith, democracy is an opportunity and a responsibility. The Episcopal Church and EDOW seek prayerfully to bring the teachings of Jesus to our common life together through the cycle of elections, advocacy, engagement with elected officials, protest, and other civic engagement activities.
Like many nonprofits, churches have an important non-partisan role to play in activities like voter registration, educating voters, and supporting get out the vote (GOTV) activities. (More information on permissible non-profit activities is available here.)
The resources collected here – on Voting and Volunteering, Navigating Polarized Communities, and Voting your values – are here to help you and your congregation participate fully this election season, even in these tumultuous times.
VOTE AND VOLUNTEER
“Loving God, we give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.” Excerpt, Prayers of the People for an Election*
-
- Register to vote (or check your voter registration status)
- Volunteer on election day — apply to be a poll worker
- Communications tools (Sept 15 – Nov 3) — use these graphics, bulletin inserts and other printable and electronic material to help your church be of service in your community for the 2024 election.
These nonpartisan websites can direct you to information about voting and elections in your community:
-
- Vote.org: https://www.vote.org/
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission: https://www.eac.gov/
NAVIGATE POLARIZED COMMUNITIES
“Loving God, we pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do – to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.” Excerpt, Prayers of the People for an Election*
Engaging across differences in our most intimate or public relationships requires both practice and love. This is what it takes to be one body – whether that be the body of the church, the body of humanity, or the body of Creation. These resources are offered in a spirit of shared learning, that we might, together, “discern the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
- Participate in civil discourse (Episcopal resources)
- Understand misinformation and disinformation
- Respond to political violence
The School for Christian Faith and Leadership elections pathway includes additional resources such as links to curricula and a speakers series with Episcopal Divinity School on preparing for the elections.
VOTE YOUR VALUES
“Loving God, guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.” Excerpt, Prayers of the People for an Election*
Through elections, people of faith can bring our values and our concerns to the public square. This means taking the time to learn about candidates and, depending on the election rules of your state, any initiatives or constitutional amendments on the ballot.
The Episcopal Church has raised up a large array of concerns for justice and equity. In EDOW, these issues include racial justice and reparations, creation care, immigrants and refugees, and more (see https://edow.org/ministries-programs/equity-and-justice/ for more). The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations has an even wider array.
Legal Defense Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, suggests researching multiple nonpartisan sources for information on candidates and issues. Click here for more details.
WANT MORE?
Election support is a ministry that anyone can do. Some are called to know this work inside and out, and to bring others along. If that’s you, then dive in!
For more resources, including tips on get out the vote (GOTV) participation, voter mobilization, and becoming an Election Activator, see the election engagement page and the #VoteFaithfully guide (Election Engagement Toolkit 2024) from the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations.
*The Prayers of the People for an Election is printed in the Vote Faithfully 2024 Election Engagement Toolkit.
