God called us to be salt and light in every area of our lives (Matthew 5:14-16). Voting is no exception to that command. A nonpartisan way to equip your congregation for civic engagement is a way to help your church get involved.

Your Church Can Host a Voter Registration Drive—Legally and Faithfully

As a church operating under 501(c)(3) status, you are legally allowed to host a voter registration drive, as long as it is nonpartisan.

That means:

• You cannot support or oppose any political candidate or party.
• The opportunity to register must be open to all, regardless of political beliefs.

The IRS and other legal authorities recognize that churches have a valuable role to play in encouraging civic responsibility. Hosting a nonpartisan voter registration drive is one way your church can help believers live out their faith as responsible citizens.

When Should You Hold the Drive?

The best time to hold a voter registration drive is about two months before the election, to ensure that registrations are processed in time. However, registration deadlines vary by state, so be sure to check with your state’s election office for the specific cutoff date.

Some churches hold their drives:

• On a “Voter Registration Sunday” (usually in late summer or early fall)
• On the Sunday closest to July 4th, celebrating both freedom and civic duty
• On three consecutive Sundays leading up to the deadline

How to Host a Voter Registration Drive at Your Church

There are three simple, effective, and legal ways your church can help people register to vote:

1. Online Registration via QR Code

• • Most states allow online registration.
  • You can create a QR code linking directly to your state’s official voter registration website.
  • Display it in the church bulletin, lobby, slides, or church app.

2. Hand Out Registration Forms

• • Order paper registration forms from your Secretary of State or local election office.
  • Distribute them during services or at ministry events.
  • Attendees can fill them out and mail them in on their own.

3. In-Person Registration Table

• • Set up a voter registration station in your church lobby or fellowship hall.
  • Provide forms and have trained volunteers help people fill them out.
  • With your state’s approval, you may collect and submit completed forms on behalf of voters.

📌 Important: Each state has its own rules about how registration forms must be handled. Check your Secretary of State’s website to ensure you’re following correct procedures—especially if you plan to submit forms yourself.

Key Reminders:

To ensure your voter registration efforts are both effective and compliant, keep these principles in mind:

✅ Get Approval from Church Leadership

Before moving forward, speak with your pastor and/or church board to get their blessing and support for the event.

✅ Keep It Nonpartisan

• • Avoid promoting any political party or candidate.
  • Do not display political materials, campaign signs, or voting guides that endorse specific platforms.
  • Stick to neutral messaging like:
    “Register to Vote Here” or “Make Your Voice Heard on Election Day.”

     

✅ Prepare and Equip Volunteers

• • Train a small team of trusted volunteers who understand the process.
  • Remind them to avoid political discussion and focus on assisting people with the registration process.
    
    

✅ Promote the Drive to Your Congregation

Use your communication channels to let people know:

• • When and where the drive will take place
  • What they need to bring (e.g., driver’s license or ID if required in your state)
  • How they can register if they can’t attend in person
  • Use announcements, email, social media, slides before service, and bulletin inserts.

✅ Follow Up

• • Remind your church family about upcoming election dates.
  • Encourage early voting or absentee ballot requests where available.
  • If your church offers transportation or community outreach, consider including rides to the polls as part of your ministry.

Church Voter Registration Drive Checklist