Michigan Faith Leaders Urge Civil Conduct Around Poll Workers

Reverend Kristin Stroble of East Lansing and other Christian pastors across Michigan are asking residents to treat neighbors who vote differently with courtesy as the 2026 midterm campaign closes. "Our differences and political opinions do not overshadow our shared humanity, and the commandment to treat our neighbors with love and respect," Stroble said.

The appeal comes after a campaign season marked by heated rhetoric and partisanship. Faith leaders said their specific concern is how poll workers are treated on election day. Clerks are processing ballots at a steady pace: as of Friday morning, the Michigan Secretary of State voting dashboard showed 1,858,624 ballots cast, or 25.1% of eligible voters in the state. Early in-person voting accounted for 436,161 of those ballots.

Michigan voters are also deciding ballot questions, bond issues and millages, along with state legislative and congressional contests. The ballot includes a race for governor and a U.S. Senate seat. Sunday, Nov. 1, is the final day for early in-person voting.

Turnout at this stage has already reached one in four eligible voters statewide, leaving county clerk offices handling a high volume of requests before Tuesday's election. Stroble's remarks frame the remaining voting period as a matter of conduct toward the people staffing polling locations, not just toward political opponents.