Poll chaplains hope to bring sense of calm to voting sites on Election Day
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Across dozens of polling locations across the Twin Cities, there will be people in reflective vests labeled “poll chaplains.” They're nonpartisan clergy and lay people, who are trained to bring a calm and caring presence to polling sites, many of which are at places of worship.
It’s part of the statewide initiative Healing Democracy. More than 150 people have been trained as part of the effort.
Chaplains are trained to follow state law, which includes maintaining a 100-foot distance from polling locations. They’re also trained on de-escalation and trauma awareness.
Poll chaplain and pastor Kelly Sherman-Conroy explained to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini that they’re often responding to fears about whether the voting process may be disrupted. They’re also responding to election misinformation.
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“We listen and accompany people who may want support in different ways, and we help connect them with the right resources,” said Sherman-Conroy.
Those resources include the Secretary of State’s office and sometimes guiding voters to election judges already at polling locations.
This year, for the first time there will also be “digital chaplains” who will also be offering accurate voting information and trying to calm online spaces that can quickly become volatile.
“We share things like grounding practices or connect people with reliable resources, and help keep this conversation from becoming more harmful,” said Sherman-Conroy.
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini and Sherman-Conroy.
