Religious groups fight voter intimidation with volunteers at Arizona polls

Following reports of armed “watchers” at polling places in Arizona over the past few election cycles, two groups have launched initiatives inviting people of faith to promote peace at the polls.

Faiths United to Save Democracy is actively recruiting “chaplains” to serve at various polling stations, while the Arizona Faith Network, in partnership with Election Protection Arizona, invites people of faith to be “peacemakers.” Medina Moore, a voting rights organizer for the Arizona Faith Network, said the two groups support each other in their missions.

“One group can’t cover every polling place, so the more groups the better, so that we have complete coverage in our polling places across Arizona,” she said.

Responsibilities

Volunteers do not have to be ordained clergy or belong to any particular religious tradition to serve as chaplains, although religious leaders are encouraged to wear some form of religious clothing so they can be identified, said the Rev. Warren H. Stewart Sr., of Arizona. led by “Faiths United for the Preservation of Democracy”.

“It’s about bringing a spiritual presence and a sense of peace to those who are going to vote on Election Day amid this contentious, bitter, partisan atmosphere that exists in the United States right now,” said Stewart, longtime pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix.

Volunteers hope to offer a calming and peaceful alternative to potential voter intimidation. In addition to being a peaceful presence, these volunteers are also trained to answer voters’ questions or provide water bottles, snacks or shields.

Teaching

Chaplains conduct a 90-minute webinar to familiarize themselves with their duties. They can register via turnoutsunday.com.

Peacekeepers can sign up via allvoting.org/afn2024. They undergo a one-hour virtual training followed by an assessment.

De-escalation

If there is any potential threat of violence, volunteers can call the hotline to help them determine next steps, which may include contacting the police. According to Arizona Faith Network Executive Director Kathy Sexton, they shouldn’t put themselves in harm’s way.

“It can be really scary, especially for vulnerable people in our communities, to feel safe to come and feel safe to cast their vote when they’re being yelled at to vote a certain way and intimidated,” Sexton said. “We need to make sure our communities stay safe, not act like law enforcement or political parties or sway someone’s vote.”

Non-party, interfaith efforts

Both groups have already received positive reactions from across the political spectrum. Among the believers who responded, there are not only Christians, but also Jews, Muslims and Baha’is.

“I am a supporter of what I call Jesus and justice. So helping people exercise their right to vote — which comes at a high cost to people of color and women of color in this country — is very important to me,” Stewart said. “Men and women of faith should be able to express their faith by voting according to the principles of their faith. Anything I can do to help more people exercise their right to vote and vote according to their faith is a plus for me.”

Sexton said Arizona Faith Network’s interfaith partners have noticed a divide not only in society, but in their own communities.

“It’s really important for religious leaders to find ways to bring people together, even if it’s just a safe vote,” Sexton said. “Most faith leaders I’ve talked to are just looking for something to make sure our communities stay safe and comfortable on Election Day.”