United Methodists can use these suggested resources to participate in our democracy as people of faith committed to free and fair elections.

Civic Opportunities

• • Register to vote and make sure your friends and family members are registered to vote. Then, volunteer with nonpartisan groups like the League of Women Voters and the NAACP to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) to ensure all eligible U.S. citizens are registered to vote.
  • Be mindful of these key dates:
    • October 21: Last day to register to vote online or by mail to vote in the November election. Learn more about online voter registration.
    • October 26 to November 3: Early in-person voting period for the November presidential election. Learn more about early voting.
    • November 4 at 4:00 pm: Last day to request an absentee ballot in person at a local clerk’s office. Learn more about voting absentee.
    • November 5: Presidential general election. Eligible voters can also register to vote in person but must do so at their local election office. Click to find your city or township clerk.
  • Apply to be a paid election worker. The State of Michigan is seeking poll workers for Election Day. Click to sign up. If you’ve already signed up, recruit a friend.

United Methodist Resources

• • United Methodist beliefs: Recognizing the inherent dignity of every person, United Methodists are committed to upholding human rights for all, including their social and political rights. Learn more about what United Methodists believe.
  • Social Principles: Revised and adopted by the 2024 General Conference, these principles reflect the United Methodist response to today’s most pressing social issues. Download in multiple languages.
  • Voting Rights Guide: In partnership with the General Board of Church and Society, Black Methodists for Church Renewal has developed this 10-step guide for your church and community to elevate and protect your right to vote. Download guide.
  • Voter Toolkit, “Sacred Votes: A Guide to Election Participation, Justice, and Social Transformation”: This comprehensive toolkit has been thoughtfully compiled by the General Board of Church and Society, The Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, and Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. It is designed to equip United Methodists with the tools and knowledge necessary to engage in the electoral process faithfully and effectively. Download toolkit.
  • Do Unto Others: A Campaign for Kindness: Resurrection, a multi-site United Methodist church based in Leawood, Kansas, has created the Do Unto Others: A Campaign for Kindness “to encourage people to be intentional about treating one another with kindness, even those with whom we disagree.” They invite other United Methodist churches and individuals to join this grassroots movement by downloading their free resources. Click to sign up and learn more.
  • Purple Church Initiative: The Western North Carolina Conference has started the Purple Church Initiative, reflecting the theological and political diversity of the churches in their annual conference. Along with other resources, individuals are invited to sign a pledge to be “an ambassador for peace within my family, my church, and my community.” Click to learn more.

Last Updated on September 17, 2024