Faith Groups Mobilize for Fair 2026 Elections with Updated Playbook

CHICAGO, IL – April 17, 2026 – As the United States gears up for the 2026 midterm elections, a prominent national organization is equipping faith communities to serve as a stabilizing force in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Interfaith America, the nation's premier interfaith organization, has launched an updated version of its Faith in Elections Playbook, a nonpartisan guide designed to empower religious and civic groups to promote free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The initiative comes at a critical juncture, with election officials nationwide citing concerns over political interference, misinformation, and threats to their safety. In response, Interfaith America is doubling down on its strategy of leveraging the moral authority and community reach of faith-based organizations to strengthen the bedrock of American democracy.

"Our democracy depends on free and fair elections, and faith communities play a critical role in promoting them," said Chris Crawford, Senior Director of Civic Strategies at Interfaith America, in a statement. "The playbook outlines ways faith and community leaders can join the critical work of democracy-building across America and identify engagement opportunities that best align with their values, skills, and the needs of their communities."

To support the rollout, the organization will host a public webinar on April 23, featuring leaders from diverse organizations who have successfully used the playbook's strategies.

Beyond the Ballot Box: A Practical Guide for Civic Action

First released in 2024 and adopted by over 60 national and state organizations, the Faith in Elections Playbook is not a document of abstract principles but a detailed manual for grassroots action. Developed in partnership with the nonpartisan group Protect Democracy, it offers a range of 501(c)(3) compliant activities that congregations and local groups can implement to safeguard the electoral process.

The playbook's strategies are designed to be both practical and impactful. They include:

• Recruiting Poll Workers: Mobilizing members to serve as nonpartisan poll workers, helping to ensure polling places are adequately staffed and run smoothly.
• Supporting Voters and Officials: Creating a positive and peaceful voting environment by organizing volunteers to provide food, water, and encouragement to voters waiting in long lines, a practice often called "poll chaplains."
• Combating Misinformation: Training leaders to become trusted sources of accurate, nonpartisan information about voting procedures, registration deadlines, and election results within their communities.
• Building Bridges: Hosting deep listening sessions and interfaith dialogues to foster relationships and reduce political polarization at the local level.
• Demystifying the Process: Organizing meetings between community members and local election officials to build trust and increase transparency around how votes are cast and counted.

By focusing on these concrete actions, the initiative aims to move faith communities beyond partisan debate and into the role of constructive, nonpartisan participants in the democratic process.

A Coalition of Conscience in a Fraught Landscape

The urgency of this work is underscored by the challenging environment surrounding the 2026 midterms. Experts point to a climate of heightened distrust, fueled by persistent false claims of election fraud and the proliferation of AI-generated misinformation. A 2026 survey from the Brennan Center for Justice highlighted ongoing fears among election officials about their safety and a perceived lack of government support, making community-led initiatives all the more vital.

Interfaith America’s upcoming webinar will showcase a powerful coalition of leaders working to counter these trends. The panel features Harman Singh, Executive Director of The Sikh Coalition; Ria Chakrabarty of Hindus for Human Rights; and Ray B. Shackelford from the National Urban League. These organizations represent a broad spectrum of American life, united by a common commitment to civic rights and a functioning democracy.

• The Sikh Coalition has a long history of promoting Sikh civic engagement, from census participation to voter mobilization.
• Hindus for Human Rights advocates for pluralism and has actively campaigned for electoral integrity both in the U.S. and South Asia.
• The National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization, runs the "Reclaim Your Vote" campaign, focusing on voter registration and education, particularly in Black and underserved communities.

The webinar will be moderated by Chris Crawford, who previously staffed The National Task Force on Election Crises, bringing extensive experience in election security to the conversation. The participation of these diverse groups illustrates the playbook's core message: that protecting democracy is a shared responsibility that transcends religious and cultural lines.

Rebuilding Trust from the Ground Up

At its heart, the Faith in Elections initiative is an effort to rebuild trust—not just in the electoral system, but among citizens themselves. In an era where faith is often associated with divisive culture wars, Interfaith America is championing a different narrative. It frames civic engagement as an act of loving one's neighbor and democracy as essential for human flourishing.

This approach stands in contrast to the rising tide of Christian nationalism and concerns from watchdog groups about religious organizations engaging in partisan politics, which is prohibited for tax-exempt entities. By providing a rigorously nonpartisan framework, the playbook offers a path for faith communities to engage politically—by addressing issues of justice and fairness—without becoming partisan.

By encouraging congregations to open their doors as polling places, to care for voters in line, and to foster civil dialogue, the initiative seeks to transform houses of worship into hubs of civic health. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that faith communities can be a powerful force for unity and democratic resilience, helping to ensure every valid vote is cast and counted in 2026 and beyond.