Who Should We Vote For?

In my last post, I addressed the question “Should Christians Vote?”. In short, the answer is yes. That now leads us inevitably to another important question: WHO should we vote for?

I remember reading through the statewide voter guide before the 2003 special election for California State Governor. Among the many statements from candidates was one from a man named Kevin Richter of Manteca, CA who described his qualifications as simply, “I breathe.” As brief and limited as that was, it was at least better than the candidate statement from one Trek Thunder Kelly of Venice, CA, which began, “Dear Voters, Please vote for me, thus breaking the Seventh Seal and incurring Armageddon.” I didn’t vote for either of these men, but 1,505 other people did.

It is not always so easy to know who or what to vote for or against. If you haven’t already cast your ballot, here are some simple suggestions to consider:

• • An online search will yield tons of information about candidates. Just enter their name in a search engine or on Youtube and click away.
  • Look for indications of a candidate’s proven worldview, values, and character.
  • Pay attention to how they’ve voted or spoken on issues that matter to you.
  • Consider who endorsed them.
  • Don’t believe campaign ads or mailers unless you’ve checked their accuracy.
  • If there are election races or propositions that you aren’t sure about, it’s better to skip them than to cast haphazard votes.

In addition, we can follow the wise advice that Moses received regarding appointing leaders:

Exodus 18:21 “You shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.” 

Notice that these government leaders were to be:

1. 1. out of all the people – Common people who understand real issues,
   2. able – Proven to be qualified,
   3. fear God – Humbly submitted to God and His Word,
   4. of truth – Completely honest,
   5. hate dishonest gain – Without a hint of corruption,
   6. leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, of tens – Fit for the responsibility.

With all this in mind, I think I did the right thing by not voting for Trek Thunder Kelly.

I’d love to hear any other advice you have for deciding who to vote for. How do you do it?