Black Faith Leaders Turn Churches Into Democracy Hubs Ahead of Midterms

Black faith leaders across the United States are converting their churches into what they call "democracy hubs," running voter registration drives, poll chaplain programs, and civic education events ahead of the November midterm elections.

In Washington, D.C., the Rev. Tony Lee and the Rev. William H. Lamar IV are organizing mayoral debates and training volunteers to serve as poll chaplains, people who stand outside polling locations to offer support to voters who face intimidation or confusion. The effort is part of a broader national push that clergy say is driven by concern over new restrictions on voting access.

In Ohio, faith leaders including those from Union Grove Baptist Church have written to Governor Mike DeWine asking him to publicly oppose a proposed ballot initiative that would require photo identification to vote. They argue the requirement would disproportionately affect elderly, low-income, and minority voters.

A national initiative called "Faith in Us" has collected signatures from clergy in at least nine states. The campaign calls on elected officials to protect mail-in voting and to push back against what organizers describe as federal overreach into state election administration.

Leaders in the movement draw direct comparisons to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Several have organized events under the theme "Good Trouble," honoring the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis, who was also a minister.

On June 30, leaders from historically Black Protestant churches gathered at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta for a forum titled "A Faithful Struggle." The event examined how Black churches can help the country navigate political and cultural divisions without losing their prophetic voice.

Organizers say the goal is not partisan politics but the protection of constitutional rights. They plan to continue their efforts through Election Day in November.