After the Ballot Box: The Church's Role in Election Security
Rev. Breanna Illéné, Director of Ecumenical Innovation and Justice Initiatives
How are our ballots counted? Who verifies the results? These are questions I hadn’t considered before 2024, and I imagine I’m not alone. In the past, with high trust in the election process, I’d cast my vote, go home, and wait for the results that evening.
Today, elections look very different. There are allegations of stolen elections, questions about process, lawsuits, and new laws. News cycles are filled with coverage of every step in the election process. Casting a ballot and ensuring it’s counted now feels more complicated.
Churches have long engaged in elections.—hosting polling places, educating voters through forums and bulletins, and doing voter outreach in their neighborhoods. As election dynamics shift, many are asking what role the church can play in protecting the process today. Churches are community hubs, and in this era of division and distrust, they are uniquely positioned to support and rebuild our democracy. However, many church leaders are already overwhelmed with day-to-day responsibilities and feel they can’t take on more. At the Wisconsin Council of Churches (WCC), we’ve been mindful of this as we work on election issues. And so we want to share an update on what is happening and some simple (but not overwhelming) ways to get involved.
WCC staff have been meeting with local and national partners to prepare for this fall’s election. I’ve learned more about voting machines, certification, and election procedures than I ever expected. Throughout this, I’ve held two beliefs: First, our election system has many checks and balances, which is why we’ve trusted it for so long. While mistakes happen, there are mechanisms to catch and correct them, making the system resilient. Second, our system is under attack. There are individuals actively seeking vulnerabilities and trying to disrupt the process.
Yet, I remain hopeful. Teams across the country—including WCC staff—are working to protect the election process. I’ve spent more time in rooms full of lawyers than I ever imagined, but these and other experts are creating legal, communication, and organizing strategies to ensure our elections run smoothly and we are ready to respond should challenges arise this November.
For some, the idea of getting involved may feel overwhelming. While it’s easy to become anxious, we’re not asking you to add another meeting to your busy schedule (unless you want to). Instead, the WCC is building connections to defend democracy, and we need churches to continue their vital work of loving their neighbors and serving their communities. If specific needs arise, we will reach out with clear requests and the tools to help you respond using the networks that you have established in your community.
Ways to Get Involved Now:
Clergy can serve as poll chaplains, offering a peaceful presence on Election Day.
Sign on to the WisAct principles (see below for more information).
Stay informed through the WCC
Watch for an upcoming explanation of the process and timeline between election and inauguration day.
Visit our Voter Resource Center for answers to frequently asked questions.
Encourage voting and engagement in your community
Encourage people to become poll workers or election officials.
Double down on loving your neighbor during this election season.
Potential Future Actions:
If needed in specific communities, we may reach out to local clergy and congregations with specific calls to action.
In response to misinformation or other challenges, we’re prepared to provide bulletin inserts for your congregation to keep people informed.
Do you have questions or need help navigating this season? Please reach out to us (illene@wichurches.org). We’re in this together.
