Faith leaders prepare poll chaplains across states

Faith leaders and lay volunteers in Minnesota, Maine, Wisconsin, Arizona and other parts of the country are preparing to serve as nonpartisan poll chaplains during the 2026 midterms. Their role is to offer voters a calm, welcoming presence, provide reliable voting information and help de-escalate conflict while following rules that keep them outside legally restricted areas. Organizers say the effort responds to voter anxiety, misinformation and reported intimidation, including concerns affecting immigrant communities. Some programs are also training digital chaplains to share accurate information and ease tensions online. The work builds on a faith-based tradition of supporting peaceful access to the ballot and protecting voters’ ability to participate freely.