Faith leaders deploy as poll chaplains to counter voter intimidation
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:32 · Archive
Interfaith volunteers will act as poll chaplains and peacekeepers at polling places in nine US battleground states on election day.
Faith leaders across multiple religions are being trained to act as poll chaplains and peacekeepers at polling places in nine US battleground states on 3 November. The interfaith coalition Faiths United in Saving Democracy is coordinating the effort, with co-founder Barbara Williams-Skinner noting that this election will be different because of concerns about the presence of federal immigration agents deterring voters.
As of 19 October, the coalition had recruited 1,235 poll chaplains and peacekeepers. These volunteers include a Quaker leader deploying to Ohio, a Christian minister and Jewish rabbi in Arizona, and a Buddhist nun in Wisconsin. They will wear identifying hats and vests and remain outside polling centres.
The poll chaplains' goal is to maintain a calm, reassuring presence to encourage voters to exercise their rights without fear or hesitation. The nine states where volunteers will deploy are Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia and Texas, all expected to feature contentious races that could raise political tensions.
How it is being reported
- Faith leaders unite across religions to counter voter intimidation on Election DayPoll chaplains and lay peacekeepers have maintained a calm presence over the last few election cycles.Clickorlando · 20 Oct, 12:02
- Faith leaders unite across religions to counter voter intimidation on Election DayPoll chaplains and lay peacekeepers have maintained a calm presence over the last few election cycles.News4Jax · 20 Oct, 12:02
In this story: Faiths United in Saving Democracy · Barbara Williams-Skinner · Arizona · Michigan · Georgia · Ohio · Pennsylvania · North Carolina
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