FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix has served as a poll chaplain for the past two election cycles with Faiths United to Save Democracy. She spoke with Linnea Halsten about her experience and how it is a way that she demonstrates her faith.
Does being Quaker call, equip, or support you in the role of a poll monitor/chaplain? If so, how?
I do feel called by my faith as a Quaker to serve as a poll chaplain at the polls. I have served in two election cycles now in this role and for me it has been an opportunity to put our peace testimony into practice and to work for justice in our country and communities. As Friends, we are called to seek that of God in everyone, and we often practice deep listening and other skills of nonviolent conflict transformation. Knowing how to center yourself, remain open to the Light in all people, and offer a friendly smile, are all valuable skills for poll chaplains that my Quaker faith and practice teaches me.
How does the poll chaplain/monitor work fit into the larger Quaker and interfaith actions to protect and uplift democracy in this country?
The struggle for our democracy and the future of building the world we seek is on the line in these elections. The rolling back of voting rights and direct attacks on our elections that we are seeing demand a response from people of faith, and from all of us. Faith communities, including Quakers, have an important role to play through these elections, and beyond, in helping protect the vote, being voices of moral conscience, bridging divides, upholding our rights and laws, and advancing greater justice and peace for all.
Based on your experience being a poll chaplain, who would you encourage to be a poll chaplain or monitor?
I encourage all Friends to consider being a poll chaplain, and to invite others in their community to do so as well. Quakers believe we can all be ministers, and the same is true of poll chaplains and peacekeepers. Anyone who feels called to this service, wants to help ensure our elections are fair and safe, and can volunteer in a nonpartisan way to be a friendly presence at the polls can serve as a poll chaplain or peacekeeper. The great thing about Faiths United to Save Democracy is that they provide excellent training to ensure you will have all the information and skills you need. Training includes learning about voting rights and election protection, as well as de-escalation and conflict resolution skills. FUSD has a goal of sending at least 2000 poll chaplains/peacekeepers to the polls, particularly in sensitive areas, and they need a lot more volunteers still. So, it’s a great time to sign up!
Trainings to be a poll chaplain with Faiths United to Save Democracy are coming up on September 28 and October 15 – find out more!
