In alignment with Interfaith Alliance of Colorado’s vision of “Achieving Democracy Together,” for the 2026 midterm elections our team is all in on protecting Coloradans’ right to vote! An important part of our strategy is to make sure that on Election Day, November 3, 2026, voters are protected and supported at polling locations around the state. To encourage joyful civic participation and be a reminder that the vote is sacred, Interfaith will be working with faith leaders to be Poll Chaplains.
Poll Chaplains walk community members to and through the voting process, providing encouragement and information, documenting and reporting concerns, discouraging and de-escalating voter intimidation efforts, and generally contributing to calm and transparent election administration.
Those interested in becoming a Poll Chaplain should indicate so by filling out our interest form by August 31, 2026.
For more information, check out our blog post and review FAQs listed below.
Interfaith Poll Chaplain: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a Poll Chaplain?
Clergy or faith leaders can become a Poll Chaplain, regardless of faith tradition.
Why is this program focused on Clergy?
As trusted community members and leaders, clergy Poll Chaplains offer encouragement and moral authority to election spaces, while also performing the regular duties of a Poll Monitor.
What is the purpose of Poll Chaplains?
As trusted community members, faith leaders are uniquely situated to speak with moral authority. Poll Chaplains will walk community members to and through the voting process, providing encouragement and information, documenting and reporting concerns, discouraging and de-escalating voter intimidation efforts, and generally contributing to calm and transparent election administration.
What is the difference between a Poll Chaplain and a Poll Monitor?
A Poll Chaplain is someone who is a faith leader. Poll Monitors do not have to be clergy.
What is the difference between a Poll Monitor and a Election/Poll Watcher?
A Poll Monitor is able to support voters from outside of the voting center, while a Poll Watcher, also referred to as a Certified Election Watcher, is able to enter a voter service center to watch and ensure the voting process is happening as it is supposed to. As such, a Poll Watcher does require further training from the Colorado Secretary of State, and Interfaith will support interested clergy in becoming certified.
What is election protection?
Election Protection is a framework meant to ensure that all voters have equal access to the polls and are able to carry out the act of voting. It also encompasses the protection of the election process itself, including leading up to election day and post election day.
What does it mean to be non-partisan?
Non-partisanship simply means no affiliation with, endorsement of, or support for any political party.
What is civic engagement?
Civic engagement is the act of engaging with governance in many different ways, from voting, to attending local council meetings, to testifying at the Capitol during legislative sessions.
Will I need to travel as a Poll Chaplain?
There is a possibility that you will need to travel as a Poll Chaplain, but Interfaith will do our best to place you as close to your county as possible. If you are comfortable travelling further away, please indicate that on your interest form or by communicating that to an Interfaith staff member.
What is the time commitment for being a Poll Chaplain?
Availability on Election Day, November 3rd is a must. On top of that, Poll Chaplains will be required to attend at least two 2 hour training sessions, a check in session prior to Election Day, and an Election Debrief session post Election Day.
Will I be trained for this position?
Yes! The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado will conduct two training sessions along with partners for Poll Chaplains. Additionally, Poll Watchers are required to complete an additional training session online.
What support will be available to Poll Chaplains?
A member of the Interfaith Team will be present at the Election Protection command center and will be available to Poll Chaplains to assist with any issue that arises. A member of Interfaith’s Team will serve as Poll Chaplain Field Liaison, and will be the connection between Poll Chaplains and those working to coordinate Poll Monitors around the state.
Is there risk involved in being a Poll Chaplain?
While we cannot rule out the possibility of risk, we expect risk to Poll Chaplains to be minimal. Poll Chaplains can reduce the likelihood of conflict or escalation in election spaces. Interfaith will provide training and protocols to address conflict that arises.
What would it look like to talk to the media as a Poll Chaplain?
With training and support from the Interfaith team, there may be requests for media interviews, statements, or written letters to news agencies. If a Poll Chaplain is interested in engaging with the media as part of Interfaith’s speaker’s bureau, Interfaith will work closely with them to ensure that messaging is clear and that the speaker is comfortable.
Thank you for your interest in being a part of this program! To help us continue to do this work, please donate here.