On Election Day 2026, Lutherans across Arizona joined neighbors of many faiths as nonpartisan Election Protection volunteers, helping ensure that every eligible voter could participate safely, confidently, and peacefully.
Through the Arizona Faith Network (AFN), Election Protection Arizona, and Faiths United to Save Democracy, volunteers received training as peacekeepers and election monitors. Their role was not to influence votes or promote candidates, but to offer a welcoming presence, answer basic questions, observe conditions outside polling locations, and help voters navigate the process when needed.
From El Mirage to Tucson, Tempe to Phoenix, their experiences offered a welcome reminder that civic engagement can be an expression of neighbor-love — and that Election Day can bring people together across differences.
A Warm Welcome at the Polls
For Pastor Pam Reynolds, volunteering at the Dysart Community Center in El Mirage was her first experience with Election Protection.
She chose the location because it was close to her community and served an ethnically diverse population. What stood out most was the enthusiasm of voters arriving throughout the day.
“What a joy and encouragement it was to see so many coming to cast their votes,” she reflected.
One memorable moment came when an emergency vehicle pulled up. Pastor Pam and her volunteer partner wondered whether someone needed assistance, only to discover that the firefighters had stopped to vote!
Her dog Banks accompanied her and received plenty of attention from voters, though he spent much of his shift keeping an eye on a cat across the street. Both went home tired and happy.
Every Vote Matters
On Tucson's west side, Pastor Amalia Vagts spent the late afternoon and evening welcoming voters outside a church.
One voter borrowed a pen and asked what documentation he needed to establish residency. After checking with election workers, he left — then returned half an hour later with the necessary mail, the borrowed pen, and the determination to cast his ballot.
Pastor Amalia was especially moved by the number of people who came to vote after a long day at work.
When she thanked one woman for participating, the voter replied:
“I've never missed an election. People in the past worked too hard for me to miss even one.”
It was a powerful reminder that the right to vote is precious, and that small acts of assistance and encouragement can make a meaningful difference.
Building Community Across Differences
For Pastor Dan Hoeger, Election Protection offered an opportunity to connect with neighbors beyond his congregation.
“Working with people from across our community, people inspired by their differing faiths, opens my heart to see new ways of grounding my role as a pastor in a community that extends well beyond my congregation,” he shared.
Although volunteers were trained to recognize and respond appropriately to problems at polling locations, Pastor Dan found that much of the work was simply offering encouragement.
“A warm smile and the willingness to answer basic questions about process puts voters at ease,” he explained.
In a political climate often marked by division, serving as a nonpartisan election monitor offered a different experience: neighbors helping neighbors.
A Party at the Polls
Rich Sisco served at the Islamic Center of the East Valley, where four volunteers worked together to welcome voters.
After completing their opening checklist and confirming that there were no obstacles to voting, they settled into a simple routine: greeting everyone who arrived and thanking them as they departed.
They remembered the phrase “Party at the Polls” from their training and decided to make it the spirit of their shift.
One volunteer remarked, “In all my 54 years I've never said, ‘Happy Election Day,’ but today it seems like the thing to do.”
Rich also appreciated the opportunity to get acquainted with fellow volunteers, members of the Islamic Center, and others participating in Election Day.
Faithful Service Across the Valley
At University Presbyterian Church in Tempe, Jim Melzer, LAMA liaison at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, participated in Arizona Faith Network's Election Protection program, helping voters on Election Day.
Meanwhile, Tom Vega of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee served at Wesley Community Center in Phoenix alongside AFN volunteers Mary Sparks and Karia Basta from the Catholic Archdiocese of Phoenix.
Their early shift began at 5:30 a.m., welcoming voters on their way to work. The morning proceeded smoothly, without serious incidents, and additional volunteers arrived to continue the work.
Tom noted that LAMA volunteers completed training through Faiths United to Save Democracy and Election Protection Arizona before serving at polling locations throughout Maricopa County.
These experiences reflect the strength of interfaith collaboration: Lutherans, Catholics, Muslims, and neighbors from other traditions working together in service to their communities.
Sometimes Peacekeeping Means Listening
For Debby and Lyle Bare, volunteering at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix offered a powerful reminder that being present and listening can be just as important as solving problems.
“Peacekeeping at the Polls was a blessing today!” Debby shared. The couple enjoyed conversations with fellow volunteers and voters, most of whom welcomed their presence.
Not every interaction was easy. One man asked Debby about the ballot propositions, then expressed frustration when she explained that their role as nonpartisan peacekeepers did not include advising voters on how to vote. Other voters approached with concerns about the polling location having moved to another building or simply wanted to share their frustrations.
Rather than trying to resolve every concern, Debby listened.
“I'm blessed that people felt so comfortable to come to share their concerns, and to be heard,” she reflected.
There were moments of unexpected connection, too. A Vietnam veteran stopped to speak with Lyle, himself a veteran, and the two shared a conversation about their military experiences.
Near the end of their shift, the volunteers learned that a printer was malfunctioning at the polling location. A team member reported the problem, technical staff worked to resolve it, and voters were directed to alternative voting sites.
Despite that difficulty, Debby described the day as peaceful and calm, with most voters reporting a smooth experience.
For Debby and Lyle, the experience was a blessing — an opportunity to listen without judgment, connect with neighbors, and help create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone exercising their right to vote.
Faithful Civic Engagement, One Neighbor at a Time
Not every act of public witness involves a speech, a protest, or a meeting with an elected official. Sometimes it means getting up before dawn, standing outside a polling location, offering a smile, helping someone find information, listening to a concern, or simply saying, “Thank you for voting.”
At LAMA, we believe faithful civic engagement includes helping our neighbors participate in the public life we share. The ELCA's social statement Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All reminds us that participation in civic life is part of our responsibility to one another and the common good.
We give thanks to Pastors Pam, Amalia, and Dan; Rich Sisco, Jim Melzer, Tom Vega, Debby and Lyle Bare; and all the Lutheran and interfaith volunteers who served as peacekeepers and election monitors across Arizona.
Their stories remind us that protecting democracy can begin with something as simple as welcoming a neighbor — and taking the time to listen.
And perhaps that's a lesson worth carrying beyond Election Day: whatever our differences, we can still greet one another with kindness, protect one another's dignity, and work together for the well-being of all.