Texas Churches Mobilize Voters Through 'Black Out Sunday' Initiative

Approximately 2,000 churches across Texas participated in "Black Out Sunday" on October 25, 2026, an initiative organized by the African American Pastors Coalition (AAPC) to encourage voter turnout ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. While organizers initially aimed to involve 1,000 congregations, participation exceeded expectations, doubling the original goal.

The Rev. Richie Butler, president-elect of the AAPC and pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas, stated that the movement grew out of concerns regarding Texas congressional redistricting. Critics of the state's new congressional map have alleged that the boundaries were gerrymandered to minimize the influence of the Black vote. In response, the coalition sought to use church networks as a vehicle to drive civic engagement and achieve 100% voter participation among eligible members.

Scheduled for the first Sunday following the start of early in-person voting, the event focused on transporting congregants to polling stations. Butler noted that many attendees had already voted, while others were assisted in casting their ballots immediately following worship services.