Longtime members of the Revival Christian Fellowship in Menifee, California, are actively engaging in encouraging congregants to register to vote as Election Day draws near. Lucky Hartunian and Janie Booth, church members, have taken up the responsibility of promoting voter registration outside the sanctuary and assisting in collecting completed mail-in ballots to be dropped off at the county office the following day.
The concept of ballot gathering, also known as ballot harvesting, has sparked debate on a national level. Skeptical conservative voters, who have historically been wary of mail-in voting and ballot collection – often associated with Democrats, are now showing more openness to the practice. Evangelical Christians, in particular, are increasingly embracing ballot gathering this year.
Conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Lara Trump have encouraged Christians and conservatives to partake in collecting ballots. Megachurches such as Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Southern California are actively promoting and training congregants to engage in ballot collection as a means to boost voter turnout and support candidates aligned with their beliefs on issues like abortion, transgender rights, and immigration.
Despite concerns over potential fraud linked to ballot gathering and universal mail-in voting, conservatives are adapting to the changing landscape of voting practices. While some conservative leaders had previously blamed mail-in ballots for Donald Trump’s loss in 2020, they now acknowledge the necessity of engaging in these practices to stay competitive in this year’s election.
The controversy surrounding mail-in voting is shifting, with even former critics like Trump and other GOP officials now encouraging voters to cast their ballots by mail. Efforts are underway to change the public perception of mail voting following Trump’s previous criticisms.
The practice of ballot gathering is legal in 35 states, with varying rules and regulations. In California, for example, there is no limit on the number of ballots a person can collect, as long as certain guidelines are followed, such as returning the ballot within three days of receiving it.
Gina Gleason, the executive director of Real Impact, a ministry of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, has been actively involved in training church volunteers to collect ballots. The church’s initiative to collect ballots in 2020 saw success, with the number of collected ballots increasing significantly in 2022, demonstrating a growing trend among churches to engage in ballot gathering.
Conservative groups are hopeful that these initiatives will expand to other states. Leaders in conservative political advocacy organizations are emphasizing the importance of maximizing voter turnout through ballot collection, particularly in competitive states like Nevada and Virginia.
While concerns about potential fraud and tampering surrounding ballot gathering persist, supporters of the practice highlight its role in increasing voter participation, especially in communities where individuals face barriers like language issues or multiple jobs.
The involvement of churches in ballot gathering has sparked both support and criticism. While some argue that churches have a higher level of accountability and integrity in ensuring the legality of the process, others view the practice as hypocritical, particularly in light of past opposition to mail-in voting from conservative groups.
In conclusion, the latest election cycle shows a shift in conservative attitudes towards ballot gathering, with churches playing an increasingly prominent role in promoting voter engagement and participation. As the debate continues, the impact of these initiatives on voter turnout and election outcomes remains a topic of ongoing discussion.