Election 2026
"The ELCA has a long-standing commitment to engage civic life through its members, congregations, synods, churchwide organization, and church-related institutions." – ELCA Social Statement Faith and Civic Life
For the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), civic engagement is a public good and is both our calling as Christians and a responsibility for residents of the United States. Election years are a significant time to be active in civic engagement, as we affirm the importance of government – specifically democratic self-governance.
The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin engages ELCA Lutherans across the state in nonpartisan activities related to the electoral process. We share election information from trusted sources, host events about the election process, and support congregations in their nonpartisan election outreach activities.
If you would like LOPPW to give a presentation about civic engagement and elections at your church, please contact Kacy Kostiuk, LOPPW Director, at [email protected].
Election Resources
The ELCA has developed resources to support congregations and individuals in nonpartisan civic engagement during election years. Elections are a season, not a single day, and there are many opportunities to engage in various ways.
Starting Place:
An important place to start is to review this resource with information to support transparent, nonpartisan, and legal engagement with elections:
- 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 in the electoral process and includes a checklist to guide decision-making on what types of activities are appropriate.
Resources & Guides:
- Churches as Polling Places
This two-page guide provides considerations for churches considering the possibility of serving as polling places. - 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. - 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.
Additional resources will be available soon as LOPPW develops more Wisconsin-specific guides. Please contact Kacy Kostiuk, LOPPW Director, at [email protected] with any questions ore resource requests.
