Last Sunday in Dallas, a remarkable event organized by the steering committee of North Texas Faith Votes highlighted efforts to engage communities, educate voters, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in our democracy.
Temple Shalom hosted a vibrant gathering focused on empowering voters and equipping congregations with the tools they need to mobilize their communities. Panel discussions featured insightful sessions on the role of faith communities in civic life, voting rights and policies, organizing rides to the polls, and developing our networks for ensuring all voices are heard this election.
Matching North Texas’s enthusiasm, Houston Faith Votes is also brimming with activity. HFV’s Civic Engagement Pilot Cohort is organizing a myriad of impactful events and activities to educate and motivate voters across Houston.
Some Great Ideas…
Check out these ideas from Texas Impact congregations — consider them public domain and put them in action in your congregation!
- Postcard and Letter writing campaign to low-propensity voters.
- Host an Immigration Information Forum to educate immigrants on their voting rights.
- Hold a book club on Jim Wallis’ new book, “False White Gospel.”
- Organize a Neighborhood Walk to meet your neighbors and encourage early voting.
- Hold a car-caravan through historic black neighborhoods offering a historical perspective of civic engagement and its importance for today’s population.
- Pass out (and collect!) pledge-to-vote cards in the church.
- Organize carpools to the polls for homebound and/or nondrivers in the church.
- Request a BallotReady code from Texas Impact and print it on bulletins and flyers, and add it to your church’s website.
- Record or film interviews with young people about why voting matters to them and post it on social media as an encouragement for other young people to vote.
- Visit nearby senior centers; meet the residents, register them to vote, and teach them how to request mail-in ballots.
- Have a “Voter Information” table in the foyer each week after services.
- Decorate a bulletin board at the church for people to post their “I voted” stickers after early voting begins.
- Send a mass email to your congregation one-week before election day with a reminder to vote.
Additional Support
Check out Texas Faith Votes for FABULOUS, FREE graphics and customizable downloads for your GOTV activities.
These include bulletin inserts, door hangers, how-to guides, and more.
Why Voting Matters for People of Faith
For many people of faith, voting is not just a civic duty but a profound expression of our values and beliefs. Engaging in the electoral process allows us to advocate for justice, equality, and compassion, reflecting the core principles of our faith traditions.
Download A Matter of Faith for personal stories, sermon starters, and scriptural support of civic engagement.
A Call to Action
As we approach this crucial election period, we invite ALL to join us in our commitment to a healthier democracy. Texas Faith Votes is deeply nonpartisan, focused on civic engagement and empowering every voice. By participating in these initiatives, you are not only living your faith, but also contributing to the broader goal of a more engaged and informed community.