Sacred Voting Activation: Resources for the 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
Explore the resources below to discover how you can engage in this year's election with faith and purpose.
In a democratic society, our Methodist faith calls us to actively engage in the political process as part of our Christian witness, including the sacred act of voting. Guided by the Wesleyan Quadrilateral of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience – we are compelled to support laws and policies that safeguard and extend the rights of all citizens to vote and ensure that every vote is counted. We also uphold efforts to eliminate barriers to voting and advocate for fair and transparent elections, believing that such participation aligns with our call to seek justice and love mercy in all aspects of life.
Participating in the upcoming mid-term elections in the United States isn’t just about casting our own vote – it requires working together so we can all vote and vote faithfully. The resources below are intended to guide you in three different categories:
1. Voter education 2. Voter engagement 3. Voter protection
1. Voter Education
Sacred Votes: A Guide to Election Participation, Justice, and Social Transformation
Given the seriousness of this election, a comprehensive toolkit has been thoughtfully compiled by The United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society, The Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, and Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. This resource guide is designed to equip us with the tools and knowledge necessary to engage in the electoral process faithfully and effectively. This toolkit will offer you a way to issue this challenge—so pastors, leaders and laity get on board and declare that your congregations will take the OUR VOTE MATTERS pledge.
The voter toolkit available for free.
For questions regarding the resource guide, please contact Rev. Kendal L. McBroom–Director for Civil and Human Rights.
Justice Takes Courage Podcast
Stay tuned for the latest episode of the Justice Takes Courage podcast, where General Secretary Bishop Julius C. Trimble is joined by Director of Civil and Human Rights Kendal McBroom for a conversation about faith and voting.
2. Voter Engagement
Webinar: Voting, Voice, and Democracy
.jpg)
Join us Oct. 1 and 2 for a timely two-part webinar series exploring what is at stake for voting rights, representation, and the future of American democracy.
Book Study on Voting Rights: Join Church and Society’s Pages for Progress
Join us as we read and discuss Give Us the Ballot by Ari Berman, an exploration of the ongoing struggle for voting rights and the history behind one of America’s most fundamental democratic principles. Together, we will reflect on the past, examine the challenges facing democracy today, and consider what it means to ensure that every voice is heard.
Meeting Dates: October 16, October 23, October 30 (Fridays)
Time: 1-2:30 PM ET
Venue: Zoom
Resource Guide–Pages for Progress Book Study Our Unfinished March by Eric Holder
Pages for Progress, a program of Church and Society, was established to create spaces for collective learning through shared reading and in-depth exploration of topics from a theological perspective, to become more effective advocates as people of faith.
This resource guide is the culmination of our first gathering centered around “Our Unfinished March.” Designed for use in local churches, districts, annual conferences, or community groups, the guide facilitates meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the book’s themes from a theological lens.
The resource guide is available for free.
For questions regarding Pages for Progress or the Special Called Webinar, please contact Aimee Hong–Assistant General Secretary for Programs.
3. Voter Protection
GBCS Election Observer Program | August 18th – September 22nd
Election observers are trained individuals who observe polling places and election processes to help promote transparency, fairness and public confidence in elections. Unlike poll workers, they serve as nonpartisan witnesses to the electoral process rather than administering elections.
Over six weeks, participants will explore the history of voting in the United States, the sacred nature of the vote, the role and responsibilities of election observers, and how to become an observer in their state and local community.
Learn more about the Election Observer Program
For questions regarding the GBCS Election Observer Program, please contact Rev. Kendal L. McBroom – Director for Civil and Human Rights.
Faiths United to Save Democracy Poll Chaplain Training | September 28th & October 15th
To increase voter protection efforts, GBCS has become an official partner with Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD), a non-partisan, interfaith, multi-racial, and intergenerational voter program campaign in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Poll Chaplains are ordained faith leaders purposed to provide a calm, moral presence at polling sites and trained to de-escalate potential conflict. All poll chaplains are required to complete one of the 2026 training sessions to understand changes in election law and techniques for managing increased threats.
Learn more about FUSD’s Poll Chaplain Training
For general questions, please contact the GBCS Advocacy Team at advocacy@umcjustice.org.
