Protect Our Democracy: Step up to become a Poll Worker or Poll Chaplain this Election!

In this election season of unprecedented change, the future remains uncertain.  Our anxiety, fear, and hesitancy surrounding the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election feels logical given the political unrest and divisiveness within our nation.  The fate of our society hangs in the balance. At this pivotal moment, the United Church of Christ’s Our Faith Our Vote Campaign is focused on meeting this fear with love, by encouraging our fellow Americans to vote with love for all people this November.  

Still, there is more we can do to preserve democracy. The next election is just three months away — and we know that means we must start planning now so that every voter has an efficient and accessible experience at the polls. And that means recruiting poll workers and poll chaplains!  

Thursday, August 1^st, is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, and the UCC is partnering with Power the Polls  to sign up a new generation of poll workers and make sure our democracy runs smoothly. Join us — because every voter deserves to see themselves reflected in our democracy. 

Why should you become a poll worker?  

• Historically, voter turnout in the U.S. has been low. By volunteering your time working at the polls, you have the power to raise these numbers by ensuring an easy, equitable, and empowering voting experience for your neighbors. 

• Some areas have struggled to recruit enough poll workers to fill the necessary roles, which has directly resulted in closed voting locations and disenfranchised voters. The more people we can encourage people to train as poll workers, the more we can fight voter suppression, particularly among our neighbors in marginalized communities. 

• Serving as a poll worker is one of the most effective ways you can help democracy. It is a valuable way to give back to your community, support your neighbors, and be part of the democratic process. Poll working is fun, nonpartisan, and you may even get paid! Election administrators are especially looking for poll workers who are tech-savvy and/or bilingual, and in many states, you can be as young as 16 or 17 to serve as a poll worker. 

What are the responsibilities of poll workers? 

• Roles may vary depending on where you live and which areas of the voting locations have the greatest needs, but in general you will be expected to take on several different tasks, including checking in voters, distributing ballots, and troubleshooting voter questions.  

• Election administrators are invested in giving poll workers thorough training well before the November 2024 election. Potential poll workers will need to be prepared to devote the necessary time to become adept at running a polling location. 

How can clergy, faith leaders, or lay leaders use their experience to help voters at the polls? 

• Become a Poll Chaplain/Peacekeeper with Faiths United to Save Democracy. FUSD is looking for clergy and lay leaders who are interested in providing a “calming and moral presence to vulnerable voters” at the polls. These volunteers are especially needed at priority polling sites in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. Review the Frequently Asked Questions and attend a virtual training session today! 

• Use the power of the pulpit this Sunday and include National Poll Worker Recruitment Day as a call to action for your congregation. In every city and local jurisdiction, election administrators need poll workers and poll chaplains to keep polling places open, help their neighbors vote, and ensure every voter has access to the ballot box. This is a great time to remind members “As for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good” (Thessalonians 3:13). 

Now is the time to sign up to help on Election Day, as the deadlines to apply to be a poll worker vary by state and jurisdiction. Please encourage your friends and family to do the same. By working together, we can combat voter suppression and disenfranchisement. Sign up to become a poll worker today, or sign up for Poll Chaplain training with Faiths United to Save Democracy.  

This election offers us both a sacred opportunity and obligation to protect democracy. Join us as we choose to act and vote with love, compassion, and hope for our country and future. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).