Faith in Democracy

Franciscans are called to continuous conversion, not only to change themselves but also to be agents of change in the larger community. We read the signs of the times, critique abuses of power, and follow an ethic based on the inviolable dignity of all people, recognizing each sister and brother as a gift from God.

See below to join FAN’s work for the peaceful operation of American democracy and broad voter participation.

Faith in Democracy: Facing the Challenges of 2026

What is Faith in Democracy?

Faith in Democracy is an annual interfaith event that brings people of various faiths together to pray for our nation and reflect on the sacred call to resolve differences with peace and respect.

Poll Chaplains and Poll Workers:

FAN is recruiting poll chaplains for the upcoming 2026 elections. A poll chaplain is a person of faith who will work with other faith leaders in their state to be a peaceful, de-escalating presence at polling places on Election Day. This opportunity is open to clergy, religious, and lay people. FAN has partnered with Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) to recruit poll chaplains in nine states: AZ, GA, MI, NC, OH, PA, TX, VA, and WI.

If you are interested in becoming a Poll Chaplain in one of these states, please complete each of these steps:

1. First, please fill out this Google Form to register for this role through the Franciscan Action Network.
2. Please visit the Faiths United to Save Democracy website (turnoutsunday.com) to formally sign up for your specific state. Below the training dates, you will see registration forms for each state. Please complete this form and be sure to list Franciscan Action Network as your organization. 
3. Finally, please sign up for an online training. There is one remaining training session: Oct 15, 2026

FAN has recently expanded its recruitment efforts to the remaining states and is actively searching for partners in these states to allow more people to participate in this work. If you live outside of those nine states and would like to serve in this role, please fill out this interest form.

The poll workers program is available to US citizens in all 50 states. This program is more “hands-on” as poll workers will be volunteering their time inside the polling place and have civic training in addition to a FAN-provided de-escalation training. If you are interested in being a poll worker, please fill out this form to register for this role through the Franciscan Action Network and visit the Power the Polls website to formally sign up for your specific state. 

Our network has responded enthusiastically to our calls for people of faith to do service for our democracy, which we believe will increase interfaith unity, public trust in elections, and voters’ sense of safety and joy in civic participation.