Churches are not just passing around the collection pouch these days. At many churches, mainly Hispanic and African American, located in the battleground states for the presidential election, registration cards are being distributed. In an attempt to exhort congregational members to register for the presidential election, church leaders during services are passing out the cards and are pledging souls to polls caravans in order to secure a high turnout of voters.

The effort, that has been stepped up in a number of states, is in response to the new election regulations that worry activists, that include tougher requirement of photo identification and fewer time for voting early, that have been called by many a direct target at minority voters, in particular against African-American voters who have traditionally voted for Democrats. A number of leaders have compared their get out and vote and registration push to the 1965 racial struggle, which led to the Voting Rights Act.

On community leader in Denver said all they want to do is make sure their people have a chance to vote. He said people have been oppressed by the new voting measures and thus have created a sense of importance amongst community leaders to make sure members get out and vote.

In swing states like Ohio and Florida, proponents of new voter ID laws and registration changes, deny the measures have a goal of suppressing the vote of minorities in hopes it will help Republicans win additional races. Proponents said the measures were enacted to cut down on fraud and purge voters from voting rolls who are ineligible to vote.