1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., 4th Fl., Chicago, IL 60660
Ph: (773) 728-8400 Fx: (773) 728-8409

issues > faithful citizenship project

Get Out The Vote Bulletin Inserts
Voter Registration Resources/Links |
FAQs



The Faithful Citizenship Project is an interfaith voter registration campaign sponsored by the Interfaith Worker Justice.

Voting is one of the greatest privileges and responsibilities that citizens have in the United States of America. In the last presidential election, the voting rate for people who were registered rose and 86 percent of those who registered actually cast ballots. But overall, only 55 percent of the voting age population took part in elections. Getting people registered to vote is obviously an important first step in getting people to participate in American democracy.


Voter Registration Resources


Engaging Your House of Worship in Voter Registration (English and Spanish)

For the following free resources, call (773) 728-8400

  • Faithful Citizenship Signs order up to five free
  • Thermometer Signs These are like building fund campaign thermometers and allow you to post progress toward being 100 percent registered.
  • Sample Workshop Outlines Call and speak with the Faithful Citizenship staff.

The following resources are pdf files, the free Adobe Reader is necessary to view them.

Faithful Citizenship Bulletin Inserts (Spanish and English)

From the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life:
Politics and the Pulpit: A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations

State Voter Registration Deadlines

Faithful Citizenship Interfaith Bulletin Inserts


Interfaith Links

Presbyterian Church USA: Election Year Resource

Unitarian Universalist Association: Voter Registration

United Church of Christ: Faith Politics and Elections

US Conference of Catholic Bishops: Faithful Citizenship Includes Bishops' statements, brochures, and additional resources in both English and Spanish. See their order form. (pdf document)

Voter Registration Frequently Asked Questions


Am I eligible to register and vote?
Must I read or write English in order to register or vote?
When can I register?
Does it cost anything to register?
Do I ever have to re-register?
Will I remain a registered voter even if I fail to vote?
Can I register for someone else?
Where will I vote?


Q: Am I eligible to register and to vote?

A: Yes, if you are:

  • a citizen of the United States.
  • a legal resident of your state.
  • at least 18 years old by election day.

The above requirements are true of every state, for requirements particular to your state, please find your state on this list (pdf file).


Q: Must I read or write English in order to register or vote?

A: No. You may register and vote even if you cannot read or write. You may take to the voting booth a literate and registered individual who can assist you in the voting process, but not actually vote for you.


Q: When can I register?

A: Register anytime, but be sure to do it by your state’s deadline if you want to vote in upcoming elections. A list of voter registration deadlines by state can be found at www.iwj.org.


Q: Does it cost anything to register?

A: No. Registration is free.


Q: Do I ever have to re-register?

A: Yes. If you move, change your name, or have completed all conditions of a felony charge, you must register again. Check with your City/County Elections Office for answers to specific questions.


Q: Will I remain a registered voter even if I fail to vote?

A: Yes. But most states remove voters who fail to vote for four or more years. Check with local election officials about your voter registration status.


Q: Can I register for someone else?

A: No. You can only register for yourself. You may help others fill out forms, but they must sign the forms.


Q: Where will I vote?

A: Your polling place will be in your neighborhood. Call your City/County Elections Office for that information.



back to top


Contact Us | Give to IWJ | Related Links
Return Home