Who Gets My Vote
Jimmy PorterPolitical billboards and yard signs are now mixed with blooming azaleas and camellias throughout our state. Candidates running for political office are seeking name recognition which hopefully will result in more votes later in the year.
These signs raise several questions: Why should I vote? For whom should I vote? How can my church be involved in the political process?
WHY SHOULD I VOTE? The amazing fact is that many choose not to vote. It is estimated that 35 percent of eligible Americans are not registered to vote. Less than 45 percent of evangelical Christians voted in the non-presidential election year of 2002.
The Bible teaches us to be responsible citizens which means participating in the voting process. Exodus 18:21, NIV provides an example for us, “Select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.” Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV) states, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” Samuel Adams once said, “Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote . . . that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”
FOR WHOM SHOULD I VOTE? The Rev. Billy Graham suggests that “if America is to survive, we must elect more God-centered men and women to public office — individuals who will seek Divine guidance in the affairs of the state.”
Therefore, it is important that I become familiar with the candidates’ position on matters that are important to me as a Christian. At first most candidates are persuasive and sound acceptable. If they are incumbents, check their voting record because it reveals their true feelings about the important issues.
To gain more in-depth information, your church or civic organization can legally host forums where all the candidates running for a particular office are invited and treated impartially. Voting records and candidate surveys are often available and are legal if the surveys comply with IRS’ detailed rules on neutrality.
Voter guides are legal if the questions and surveys have been sent to all the candidates even though all may not have responded. The survey must be inclusive of all parties and it must state the facts without editorializing. Also, the survey must include a broad range of topics and not just those that relate to a particular ministry or church.
HOW CAN MY CHURCH BE INVOLVED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS? The church can be a part of the political process but it must take extreme caution not to violate the regulations imposed by the IRS code. The church, like any other non-profit organization, cannot give direct donations to a candidate, loan or rent out the church mailing list, endorse a candidate, or pass out a candidate’s material or make donations to a political action committee or any other group that uses the funds to help elect or defeat a particular candidate.
The church can conduct non-partisan voter registration drives, host forums, and provide educational material that objectively conveys information on all the candidates’ views on moral and cultural issues. Be careful that the material does not give an obvious endorsement to one candidate or party.
In “Why Christians Should Vote,” Dr. James Dobson says, “We live in a representative form of government where we are its leaders. It means that every citizen has a responsibility to participate in the decisions that are made, and that includes people of faith using their influence for what is moral and just.” This year cast an intelligent vote based on values derived from your study and understanding of God’s Word. If the Christian Action Commission can be of any assistance to you, please call us at 601-292-3329. Now let the politicking begin!