My name is Joel Miller and I pastor Columbus Mennonite Church in Franklin County. I became a Peacekeeper because it fills a unique and needed role. I see myself as being prayerfully attentive to the dynamics of a polling location, available to de-escalate conflict and better enable all voters to cast their ballot in a civil environment.
On Election Day, I have responded to calls as far away as 45 minutes and as near as a walk across the hall of my own church. These need not be crises. In 2022, the voting line at our church was long enough in the evening that we encouraged people to sit in the sanctuary as they waited. I called a musician from our congregation, and he and a friend brought their guitars and sang (non-partisan!) songs for folks as they sat. This experience enabled me as a Peacekeeper to contribute to de-escalation of tension during a long wait, and an escalation of neighborliness.
One of the dynamics of being a Peacekeeper is that you never know what you’ll be responding to, but you’ll have support no matter the situation. I’ll be at the July 13 EP Summit ready to learn more and be prepared for this November. Whether you're a fellow Peacekeeper, poll worker, poll monitor, or someone interested in becoming involved with Election Protection for the first time, I invite you to join me!
Rev. Joel Miller, Franklin County Peacekeeper
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