Election 2026
General Election – November 3, 2026
The ELCA and the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) provide resources and opportunities to support rostered ministers, congregations, synod offices, seminaries, campus ministry groups, and individuals with civic engagement. Engagement with God’s work in the public sphere is based on careful discernment that transcends partisanship.
*Any participation by congregations in activities related to the electoral process must be strictly nonpartisan and abide by Internal Revenue Service guidelines.
Election Resources & Guides
Voting in Wisconsin: Printable Information Poster
Print this one-page nonpartisan voter information sheet and share it in your church or community to help voters get the information they need to vote.
Constitutional Amendment Voter Guide
Wisconsin voters will consider three Constitutional Amendments on their ballots. LOPPW’s Constitutional Amendment Voter Guide shares explanations, recommendations, and context made within the framework of ELCA social teaching.
Election Hero Day Activity Planning Guide
October 20 is Election Hero Day, a day to thank our election officials. Use this toolkit to plan a thank-you-card writing activity in your congregation on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Election Preparation for Congregations
As we prepare for the election, congregations should consider what they would do in case of extraordinary circumstances such as uncertainty, misinformation, intimidation, or violence. We hope these preparations will never be needed. However, taking time to prepare can help you respond faithfully, calmly, and effectively if something does arise.
Additional Election Resources
Election Engagement Planning Tool
LOPPW’s interactive Election Engagement Planning Tool can help you explore options for civic engagement activities you might like to plan and implement in your context. Take a short “quiz” indicating your capacity level, and receive recommendations for activities!
Care for Creation: A Call to Action in an Election Year
This one-page flyer invites you to reflect on and discuss creation care issues, and consider how public policy and elected leaders can contribute to the flourishing of God’s creation.
Elections & the Common Good
This letter from the ELCA bishops of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan highlights trust in our elections system; denounces hateful, deceptive, and violent speech and actions; and affirmsthe importance of protecting every eligible person’s right to vote.
Upcoming Events
What’s at Stake: An Election Preparation Briefing for Wisconsin Clergy
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8pm OR Thursday, Oct. 22, 12-1:30pm
Wisconsin clergy are invited to join us for a 90-minute online briefing on Wisconsin elections, cosponsored by the Wisconsin Council of Churches and the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin. Topics include overviews of the election process, understanding scenarios for election interference, information on coalitions being built to respond, and ways churches and clergy can tap into larger networks should mobilization be necessary. Presenters include experts in local elections, democracy defense, threat monitoring, and grassroots organizing.
Due to capacity limitations, this is for Wisconsin clergy from WCC/LOPPW member traditions only. Lay/licensed pastors are welcome if they are currently serving as congregational leaders. We will be vetting registrations.
November-December: A Post-Election Mini-Series
Our fall mini-series will include three short online events inviting reflection, spiritual check-in, and preparation for the next season. Election season is an important time, but it is only one part of our greater responsibility to one another, our communities, and public life. Please join us as we tend to our needs after the election and begin to transition into a new season together. We will gather, offer prayer, provide perspective, and remind ourselves that we are not alone.
- Monday, Nov. 9, 6:30-7pm – After the Election: A Gathering & Spiritual Check-In
- Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:30-7pm – Noticing the Moment: Exploring Our Way Forward Together
- Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6:30-7pm – Preparing for the Work Ahead: Faithful Engagement Beyond Election Day
Registration links are coming soon.
Past Events
Elections & Civic Engagement: What the ELCA Teaches & How Congregations Can Engage
LOPPW hosted this webinar on July 28. We learned more about why elections matter, what the church teaches, and what you can do. Watch the recording of the video below.
Trainings, Presentations, & Outreach
- Training opportunity on mis/disinformation, social media, and AI. Contact us if you would like to schedule a free training with the organization Shout Out UK.
- In-person presentations from LOPPW at your congregation or to your ministry team. Contact us to arrange one!
- Blurbs with trusted election information that can be shared in your congregation or ministry team newsletters. Contact us to be added to the distribution list to receive monthly blurbs for your newsletter or church bulletin.
Additional Resources from the ELCA
The ELCA has developed an extensive array of resources to support congregations and individuals in nonpartisan civic engagement during election years.
Guides & Toolkits:
These two resources linked will help congregations plan transparent, nonpartisan engagement activities:
- Being a Public Church in the Electoral Process: A Guide for Churches and Rostered Ministers
This six-page guide shares important information related to churches’ involvement, as it relates to nonpartisan and tax-exemption requirements. - ELCA Election Engagement Toolkit
This 20-page guide provides suggestions for civic engagement activities and resources related to specific actions, such as voter registration initiatives and candidate forums. - ELCA Civic Engagement Guide
This guide provides additional recommendations and steps to plan and implement civic engagement activities. - Civic Engagement Planning Tool
Developed by LOPPW, this planning tool can help you quickly browse and consider options for civic engagement activities based on your capacity level and find resources to help you implement them. - Cultivating Relationships with Local Election Officials
This resource provides guidance on building relationships with local election officials and supporting trust in the electoral process.
Printable Flyers, Checklists, & Other Materials:
- Prepared to Vote Checklist
This one-page document can be printed or shared electronically with congregation members to help them make a voting plan by determining important local deadlines and identifying their polling place. - Faithful Election Engagement for Young Adults
This one-page guide provides an overview of election engagement conversation starters, aimed at a young adult audience. - Craftivism as Advocacy
This printable guide is available to help you plan a fun, creative “craftivism” activity in your congregation or community. - Voter Guidelines for People Facing Homelessness
This two-page resource outlines opportunities for congregations to support church and community members experiencing homelessness so that they have access to voting. - Fact & Activity Sheet on Race and Voting
This two-page resource can be printed and used as an educational and discussion sheet within congregations to raise awareness of the impact of racism on voting rights and access.
ELCA Social Teaching:
- Faith & Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All
This social statement from the ELCA is a resource for reflection and discernment about the connections between faith and civic life and what the ELCA teaches.
