What We are Reading: Election Edition

It is exciting to read your thoughts on what we’ve been reading lately. It is good to engage in these important topics with you, and I hope that you will keep your book recommendations coming!

As we move closer to the elections in November, some churches have reached out to me on how they can be involved in helping to ensure that everyone in their community has the opportunity to vote. Others, after listening to our recent podcast on gerrymandering, have also asked how they can help protect the right to vote. And a recent press conference has stirred interest in our elections once again.

So here is a special “What We are Reading: Election Edition!” Find your next reads about voting rights struggles of the past, analysis of what is happening now, and work we can do to protect the vote moving forward. Many of these readings link to further resources for reading, podcasts to listen to and videos to watch. These would be great conversation starters for Sunday School classes and small groups wanting to take a deep dive into the ways that the church can be involved in voting rights!

The Role of Religion in The Civil Rights Movement: This paper, offered by Dr. Bernard LaFayette, professor and Civil Rights Advocate, highlights how religion influenced the movement for civil rights and the right to vote. This reading highlights the way that people of faith have put their religion into action and can be a helpful starting point for churches wanting to come together around civil issues today. His paper is an accessible way to get the conversation started in your community of faith.

American Women’s Suffrage: Voices From The Long Struggle for the Vote: This anthology shares the voices of those who fought for the 19th Amendment, and their tenacity to see through its ratification. Many of these stories are of those who not only shaped our civil lives but also transformed the Church as well. May their stories serve as inspiration as we continue to protect the right to vote.

 

Obstacles At Every Turn: This report released by the Native American Voting Rights Project, details the political barriers faced by Indigenous people in the history of the United States. The report provides an analysis of disenfranchisement and the fight to pass the Voting Rights Act.  This resource can also help us understand the role of tribal self-governance and religious freedom.

Your Vote, Your Voice: The National Council of Churches has released an excellent resource to empower voters and churches by not only highlighting the Church’s role in the past but providing resources for today. In this guide, there are scriptures to guide worship, recommended steps for churches to take together, and a helpful conversation guide. This resource also reminds us of what is at stake in the upcoming midterms, and grounds us in our theological call to justice and equality.

Religious Organizations and Political Activity: A 2026 Election-Year Guide: As Emma Olson Sharkey mentioned on our recent podcast, there has been some confusion about what activities congregations can and cannot engage in following recent changes to the IRS guidelines. Holtzman and Vogel have released a guide to provide clarity. As they write, “the Johnson Amendment still bars tax-exempt churches and religious organizations from supporting or opposing candidates for public office, and it remains in force for the November 3, 2026 election. Treasury and the IRS have signaled new guidance, but until it is issued, the current rules apply in full.” Check out their guide for further information on those current rules.

Navigator Research: provides an analysis on the recent voting messaging on voter suppression. This research can help us know what to say to motivate others to vote and offers do’s and don’ts for how to address the current messaging coming out of Washington.

 

A Real Right to Vote: How a Constitutional Amendment Can Safeguard American Democracy: After the midterms, there will still be work to do. Here are some resources on long-term work and conversations that we can have within our churches to advocate for the rights of all people. One of the safeguards that is needed is a constitutional amendment. For those wanting to learn more about protecting the right to vote, a recent release dives deeply into the need for a constitutional amendment to prevent disenfranchisement. In his book, author Richard L. Hansen writes that the path to an amendment is difficult, but we need protections in place to protect all voters.

Lies that Kill: If you are like me, you may be concerned that well-meaning people of faith continue to share misinformation. And with the increasing impact of AI, I fear it will be even more difficult to spot false stories moving forward. In this book, authors Elaine Kamarck and Darrell M. West provide helpful tools to help us discern what is real.

I hope these resources empower individuals and communities to use our voices as we engage in our civic responsibilities. Reach out and let us know if there are additional ways that the Center can continue to support you in this important work.