Voting gives voice for those who are overlooked: Opinion by the Rev. Christine Stoxen

The following article by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on October 11, 2026. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

As people of faith, we often speak about loving our neighbors, seeking justice, and working for the common good. One of the most practical ways we can live out those values is by participating in our democracy.

Voting is more than a civic duty. It is an opportunity to use our voices on be-half of our communities, our families, and those whose voices are too often overlooked.

Throughout Scripture, God's people e called to seek the welfare of the mmunities in which they live and to act with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. While Christians may hold dif-fering political views, we can agree that informed and active participation in public life is important.

Voting allows us to help shape the future of our schools, neighborhoods, public services, and society as a whole.

Yet many people find the election process confusing or overwhelming. Ballots can be lengthy, filled with unfa-miliar propositions, judicial races, and local offices that receive little public at-tention. Others may wonder how they can contribute to ensuring that elec-tions remain safe, fair, and accessible for everyone.

To help address these concerns, the community is invited to an educational and training event focused on voter en-gagement and election protection.

In order to become more informed, you are invited to join a Community Voting Celebration: Brunch + Educational Session Thursday, Oct. 15, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler.

Learn what's on your ballot, partici-pate in election protection peacekeeper training, connect with neighbors and community leaders. If you're ready to return your completed ballot, join us for transportation to an official ballot drop-off location.

This is an open house, so come for the whole event or join us when you can. Schedule: 10-10:30 a.m., registration, brunch and connection; 10:30-11:15 a.m., ballot educational session; 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., election protection peacekeeper training; 12:45-2 p.m. net-working and transportation to ballot drop-offs.

The event is free, nonpartisan, and open to all.

Make sure your voice is heard. Be an informed voter, so that we can make our communities better places to live.

Pastor Chris Stoxen serves Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. She received the 2025 Bedenbaugh Award from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary for faithful leadership, ministry and service. 

View Pastor Chris’s testimony on HB2191 before the House Appropriations Committee in February.

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