Jose R. Gonzalez - Arizona Republic
The motor coach emblazoned with the word "VOTE" and parked near a downtown Phoenix church may have resembled a political candidate’s official campaign bus.
But those in the bus outside First Church UCC were campaigning not to win votes but to encourage participation in the 2026 midterms.
Faith leaders in Arizona and across the country are preparing for Election Day by raising awareness about voting rights and how to protect them.
Part of that preparation in metro Phoenix is being steered by the Rev. Katie Sexton, executive director of Arizona Faith Network.
Sexton’s organization has been training and equipping poll chaplains and on-site conciliators. These 150 volunteers, who will set up outside the 75-foot-limit at polling places, will wear vests and badges denoting their mediating roles. They will be serving in Maricopa, Pima and Coconino counties.
They will "make sure folks can vote in safety, they can vote securely. And if they have any questions on voting, that they are resourced appropriately," Sexton said.
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