The 2026 midterm elections, to be held on Tuesday, November 3, are critically important. Every seat in the US House of Representatives and 33 US Senate seats are to be voted on. The danger of election disruption is real, with disinformation being spread about the trustworthiness of the voting process (and the threat of National Guard at polling stations); the possible attempt by the executive branch to dismantle state authority over elections; and the promotion of anti-democratic candidates. We must work together to ensure the safe exercise of all citizens’ right to vote and for a seamless, nonviolent transfer of power in January 2027.
Pax Christi USA joins with many other faith and human rights organizations in urging our members and supporters to engage in the election process in whatever ways you are able. We offer the following educational and action resources for your reflection and consideration.
See our Prayer-Study-Action resource for the elections.
Pax Christi USA 24-hour prayer vigil, Nov. 2-3
All are welcome to sign up for one or more half-hour slots for our 24 hour prayer vigil for election day. We will start on Monday, November 2 at 3 PM Eastern/12 PM Pacific and continue in prayer until 3 PM Eastern/12 PM Pacific on Election Day, November 3.
Election novena, Nov. 1-9
Join the Catholics in Communion Election Novena November 1- 9, 7:30 PM Eastern/6:30 PM Central/5:30 PM Mountain/4:30 PM Pacific
Together we will pray utilizing the USCCB’s Novena for Faithful Citizenship, share prayers of the faithful, check in with local communities holding vigil across the country, and hear about the latest election related news and opportunities to act to ensure all citizens can meaningfully participate and all legal votes are counted
Election eve online prayer service, Nov. 2
Pax Christi USA is cosponsoring the evening online prayer service with Franciscan Action Network on Monday, Nov. 2, 7:30 PM Eastern/6:30 PM Central/5:30 PM Mountain/4:30 PM Pacific.
Election eve prayer vigil, Nov. 2
Join the National Black Sisters Conference (NBSC) on Monday, November 2, 8:30–9:15 PM Eastern/7:30-8:15 PM Central/6:30-7:15 PM Mountain/5:30-6:15 PM Pacific, for a prayer vigil for a just and peaceful election.
Prayer holds great strength. Voting holds great strength. Let’s harness the power bestowed upon us.
Pax Christi USA prayer card for the election season
Written by Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU, 2000 Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace, this prayer invites us “to be Gospel-informed voters, who stand on the side of justice and truth.” This prayer card is excellent for outreach in your parish, school, university and community, and is a great way to respond to the division, anxiety and tension that accompany the election season in our nation. Cards are sold in packs of 50, $8.00 each, or two packs for $15.00.
“See Love Vote” free postcard kits
Pax Christi USA is one of the cosponsors of the See Love Vote campaign, a get-out-the-vote effort designed to equip communities with the tools needed to foster an informed, engaged electorate grounded in love for the common good. Order a free postcard kit and host a gathering of friends to write personalized messages encouraging US citizens to register and exercise their right to vote. There are also signs, t-shirts, and hats available on the NETWORK Lobby website to help spread a visible civic witness.
“Protecting Participation in Civic Life” toolkit
Catholics in Communion offers a “Protecting Participation in Civic Life” toolkit to prepare Catholics to uphold voting rights by engaging them in theological reflection and analysis, moving them along a pathway of engagement making sure their people feel ready to vote, have safe access to the polls, and can act to ensure their vote is counted. The toolkit offers resources for organizing neighbors to meet with their local election officials and share their support for safe and fair elections, as well as other ideas for local action before, during, and after election day.
Additional resources
- Worship guide for All Saints Sunday, November 1, offered by Georgetown University’s Center on Faith and Justice
- How Christians can protect the midterms from Trump’s interference, by Adam Russell Taylor, Sojourners
- How the Catholic Church has protected elections around the world, by Dr. Maria Stephan, published in America magazine
- Election resources from Creation Justice Ministries (National Council of Churches)
- Common Cause election protection training
- Reflection: Maybe it is not the economy, by Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace Tom Cordaro
- Reflection: Voting and human dignity, by Pax Christi USA National Field Organizer Stephen Niamke
- Reflection: Voting as a practice of faith, a letter to the editor of the Hawaii Catholic Herald from Pax Christi USA member Dawn Morais Webster
Past events
Webinar: Election protection scenario training, August 28
Thanks to all who joined Pax Christi USA for an online training of election protection scenarios. The webinar helped participants think through and plan for the possible scenarios we might face during this election season.
The Vote is Sacred 2026 webinar series, Sept. 2, 9, 15, 23 and 30
Five free online trainings were held in September for clergy, congregations, and the broader public. The topics were:
September 2: Dos and Don’ts for Houses of Worship
September 9: Faith-Based Campaigns for Democracy
September 15: Trusted Messenger Training
September 23: De-escalation and Bystander Intervention at the Polls
September 30: The Final Stretch: Get Out the Vote
Presenters on the webinars come from the following organizations: Interfaith America, Protect Democracy, League of Women Voters, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Bolder Advocacy at Alliance for Justice, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Faith in Action, A More Perfect Union, Sojourners, Faiths United to Save Democracy and NETWORK Lobby.
“Participation, human dignity, and elections” virtual conference, Sept. 16 and 17
This two-day virtual conference featured theologians and bishops from across the globe who have experience in protecting civic participation in democracy. The conference was held on Sept. 16 and 17.
Featured speakers include Pax Christi USA’s 2026 Teacher of Peace Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe and nonviolence expert Dr. Maria J. Stephan. Event partners include: Loyola University Chicago, Seattle University, Clough School of Theology & Ministry at Boston College, Jesuits West, the Josephite Pastoral Center, Candler School of Theology at Emory, and others.
Defending Democracy: A 2026 Election Preparedness Webinar Series
The Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University held a webinar every Thursday from Sept. 3 until Oct. 15 designed to equip voters with the tools to navigate and protect the 2026 midterm elections. From understanding threats to democracy and engaging voters to knowing your rights and becoming a poll chaplain, each session offered practical ways to participate, prepare, and strengthen our democracy.
Poll Chaplaincy Training
To ensure every US voter can cast their ballot free of fear or intimidation, Faiths United to Save Democracy offered poll chaplaincy training. While the training was open to all, official polling assignments, ID badges, and direct support were reserved for volunteers residing in nine priority states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Nonviolent Communication and De-escalation Training, October 20
A special pre-election Nonviolent Communication and De-escalation Training was offered by the Franciscan Action Network (FAN).