A Grounding While We Wait
By Rev. Breanna Illéné, Director of Ecumenical Innovation and Justice Initiatives
-prayer from the WCC’s Seven Prayers with Seven Scriptures for Loving Your Neighbor in an Election Season
This weekend, I stood in line to vote early at my local library and found myself in a space of reflection and prayer. I waved at the poll worker who is a member of a local church that is involved in the Council. I saw the name of the city clerk on my ballot and reflected on the panel we sat on together this fall, where we talked about voting. I thought of the 70+ clergy who will stand outside polling places across the state tomorrow to be a peaceful presence. I thought of the 3000+ people who have received our prayer cards. I thought of the countless congregations that have preached our Loving Your Neighbor in an Election Season sermons, attended our webinars, and accessed our resources. And I lifted a prayer of thanks. I am thankful for this beautiful church network that extends to the 21 traditions of the WCC and far beyond to interfaith partners and so many secular non-profits working in our state.
As we head into election day tomorrow and beyond, we continue to pray and engage. We continue to share the belief that every vote is sacred and will continue to show up in our communities to support the checks and balances that ensure our elections are free and fair. The WCC will continue to provide guidance and support in the days and weeks ahead.
ON ELECTION DAY
If you have any concerns about voting, please do not hesitate to call the election protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Once ballots are cast, the votes must be counted. While many of us are used to results being available quickly, when elections are close, counting every ballot may take time. It is better to be accurate than to be fast. Ground yourself and prepare for the reality that we may not have results on election night. Do you have a spiritual practice that you can use to center yourself in an anxious time?
CENTRAL COUNT
In 37 cities in Wisconsin, absentee ballots are processed at a centralized location on election day. Election observers will be present across the state and there are opportunities for faith-based involvement. In Green Bay and Milwaukee, prayer vigils are scheduled outside central count locations. We are also partnering with the ACLU to organize clergy to be a calming presence inside the central count. If you are interested in participating, reach out to Rev. Breanna Illéné.
CERTIFICATION
Once ballots are counted, they must be certified. This is done at the municipal, county, and, eventually, state levels, and then results are submitted to the Wisconsin Election Commission. If there are concerns about potential fraud or error, there are legitimate, established ways to address them. Delaying the canvass or certification is not one of them. Volunteers are being recruited to attend certification meetings. This is a great way to show up in your local community. Please contact Breanna to learn more.
Following certification, the state electors for the Electoral College will cast votes for president and vice president on December 17th, and on January 6th, congress officially counts the Electoral College votes. The new president will be sworn in on January 20, 2025.
PREACHING
Our role as the Church is to provide a grounding presence in a time of anxiety. For those who are preaching on Sunday, November 10, be prepared for multiple scenarios (including the fact that we may not yet have results). How can you create a space of calm that is rooted in God’s grace and peace? How do you help point back to the truths of our faith and offer a word of hope, no matter the outcomes.
We have collected various resources that can help:
Throughout the election process, from now until inauguration day and beyond, churches are invited to be voices of love and peace in their communities. The WCC commits to continuing to provide resources. If you have questions or there is something you need and you don’t see them on our elections page, please reach out to Breanna and let us know. No matter what happens in the next few weeks, our call remains the same: to love God with our whole hearts, to care for the poor and marginalized, to love our neighbors, and to continue to pray that peace may prevail in our country.
