Interfaith Coalition Deploys 1,235 Poll Chaplains to Nine Battleground States for November Midterms
A nonpartisan interfaith coalition called Faiths United in Saving Democracy has trained and deployed more than 1,200 poll chaplains to nine battleground states ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. The volunteers, drawn from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities, are stationed outside polling centers to de-escalate tensions and reassure voters. Organizers say the effort is rooted in the tradition of the Black church and its history of protecting voting rights.
More than 1,200 faith volunteers will stand outside polling centers in nine battleground states on November 3, 2026, as part of a coordinated effort to protect voters and reduce tensions during the midterm elections.
The group, Faiths United in Saving Democracy, had recruited 1,235 poll chaplains and peacekeepers as of October 19, 2026. Volunteers are being deployed to Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The chaplains are not affiliated with any political party. They wear identifying hats and vests and are trained in conflict de-escalation. Their role is to provide a calm presence outside voting locations, not to engage in political activity.
Training covered conflict resolution, voter rights awareness, and protocols for interacting with law enforcement or federal agents who might appear at polling sites. Organizers have expressed concern that the potential presence of immigration agents could discourage eligible voters in mixed-status communities.
The Department of Homeland Security has said it has no plans to deploy immigration agents to polling locations, though officials noted agents could appear if they have a specific warrant.
The initiative draws on a long tradition in the Black church of protecting civic participation. Organizers say the program has expanded to include a wide range of religious and secular participants, including Quakers, rabbis, Buddhist nuns, and imams.
A 2025 Pew Research survey found that 85 percent of Americans believe political violence is on the rise. Organizers say that figure underscores the need for a visible, nonpartisan presence at the polls.
The Associated Press and NewsNation both reported on the deployment in late October 2026.
