A Call for Clergy and Congregations to Engage Voters and Protect Voting
Across the country, we are witnessing increasing barriers to free and fair elections.
- Attacks on the Voting Rights Act.
- Changes in election administration that create barriers to participation.
- Court rulings that create chaos.
We know that our religious freedom depends on the ability of every eligible person to participate fully in civic life.
So, what can we do? Faith leaders can live into their prophetic witness by safeguarding the dignity of every individual, strengthening civic participation, and protecting the democratic process.
With these words, the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC) invited clergy and people of faith to join a Zoom call to discuss voter engagement and voter protection. Nonprofit organizations, like BJC, and denominational leadership are challenging Christians, clergy, and congregations to faithful civic engagement.
During the Zoom call, BJC provided a Faithful Civic Engagement Guide that suggests actions to increase understanding about voting rights and religious freedom, how to equip a congregation, and show love to your local community. They also prepared a history of voting rights in America.
Other organizations are providing guidance on the upcoming election. Sojourners SojoAction and Protect Democracy produced an informative “Faith Companion Action Guide 2026: A Faith-Centered Framework to Protect Our Elections.”
ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota created a campaign called Faith in Us, designed to encourage faith leaders across the country to mobilize to protect communities and defend democratic processes through coordinated, nonviolent action.
The Minnesota Council of Churches is developing an election engagement plan that will include a voter guide, which will be available soon
What Can We Do in Minnesota?
We suggest these three nonpartisan ways for clergy and congregations to become involved in educating. engaging, and protecting voters.
Speak from the Pulpit
Clergy should preach and teach that Christians, because of our faith, have a responsibility to vote, encourage others to vote, help those who need help to vote, and engage in protecting the right to vote. Mention that minority, elderly, and other vulnerable voters often find voting on election day to be stressful, so they may not vote. They may not trust the Post Office to deliver their ballot or understand the process, so they will not vote by mail. Ask your congregation if anyone needs help getting to the polling location and encourage congregants to volunteer to assist people to vote in person and on Election Day. Lay persons should encourage their faith leaders to speak and teach about voting, religious freedom, and the importance of separating government and religion.
Educate and Engage about School Board Elections
School board elections are the local battlegrounds in the fight against Christian nationalism. In Minnesota, school board candidates run nonpartisan races. Clergy and laypersons should encourage members and friends to educate themselves about the candidates in their school district and support candidates who agree with the School Board Integrity Project’s candidate pledge. This pledge outlines principles of integrity, respect, excellence, belonging, and truth.
Educate and Engage Voters about the 2026 Constitutional Amendment
This is an extremely easy and effective way to engage your congregation in the 2026 election and support public education. This November, Minnesotans will vote on passing a constitutional amendment to modernize how Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund supports its schools and communities. Since 1858, Minnesota has maintained a permanent fund dedicated to public schools, now valued at $2.3 billion. An outdated rule limits what schools can actually receive each year. Updating this rule would send additional funding to all public schools in the state. Every single year, without raising a single tax. Every public school district in Minnesota benefits. With strong bipartisan support, this initiative passed unanimously in the Minnesota House during the 2026 legislative session. Clergy need to educate voters that in Minnesota, a blank answer on a constitutional amendment counts as a “NO” vote. Voters must actively mark “YES” to support our students.
Please visit voteyesmnstudents.org to support the campaign to send additional funding to all public schools in Minnesota.