How to Vote

A couple of months ago I saw comedian Ted Alexandro open for Jim Gaffigan in Greensboro, North Carolina. He joked that we should all vote in this election, for the 45th and final President of the United States. Don't we all feel that this campaign has been like a very long Going-Out-of-Business sale? How do we vote in a time of cynicism and despair?

The Bible offers little practical guidance about democratic elections. None of its authors had the privilege of voting for their leaders -- they were stuck with the dictators, kings, and emperors that they were given. Since voting is relatively new in human history, we have to dig into the scriptures for guidance on how to cast our ballots today.

Psalm 72 and a Virtuous Leader
Let's start with the qualities of a good leader. Even if the people of Israel did not get to choose their own king, they understood what made up an effective government. Psalm 72 specifically names some of the virtues we all long for in a leader, then and now. For one, a good leader watches out for all the people in the land: the poor (verse 12), the weak (verse 13), and the oppressed (verse 14). Meaning, a virtuous leader does not choose a certain group of people to protect and care for -- those who voted a certain way, those who are related to certain others, or those who earn a certain amount. A king who governs rightly provides care for all people by reducing violence (verse 15), and we will see the very environment respond favorably: "May there be abundance of grain in the land; may it wave on the tops of the mountains" (verse 16). Granted, a human ruler cannot make it rain, or cause the sun to shine. But the story of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41) shows that a wise leader can indeed prepare for hard times, saving and storing supplies for those inevitable seasons of drought and famine. In addition, a leader who protects the poor also protects the land -- many recent studies have shown a strong connection between poverty and environmental degradation.

Have these qualities from Psalm 72 helped you decide? Are you clear on whom to vote for now? Or do the candidates all seem to fall short according to these standards? Well, here is some advice to consider before, during, and after you head to the polls.

Before you vote: Pray
The Book of Common Prayer provides practical ways to pray in all kinds of situations. Here is a prayer for elections:

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers
and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of
this community) in the election of officials and representatives;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of
all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your
purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This is a great outline to help you prepare to vote wisely and to pray for the United States over the weeks ahead. However, in addition to praying for the elections, you should pray for the candidates themselves. Each person running is a human being, created by God. They all have souls, and they are all redeemable. It would do us well if every Christian in America prayed that way -- for the candidates themselves and not just for a certain outcome to the elections.

When you vote: Decide

As you cast your ballot, here are four things to keep in mind:

• Experience matters. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." - Luke 16:10. Granted, Jesus was not talking about political candidates here. But the principle still applies. Consider how the candidates performed in their other elected offices. If they have never been elected to something before, then you need to consider why not.

• Character matters. The Herods were a clan of leaders who ruled over Palestine and surrounding areas during the time of Jesus and the early church. Two of the Herods provide special warnings about the importance of character in a leader. The King Herod in Matthew 2 was so paranoid about being replaced that he slaughtered all baby boys that fit the description of the Messiah, as told to him by the travelling magi. In Acts 12, another Herod was struck dead because he accepted the praise and worship of people who wanted a political favor. As you vote, ask yourself: Is this candidate running for office just because he or she wants the accolades of others? This kind of self-centeredness is deadly.

• Party matters. The system of party politics in the United States ensures that a candidate's political allegiances will set the tone for how he or she governs. Regardless of what they promise to do in office, candidates are bound to follow a great deal of what their party's platform spells out. Indeed, each party spends a lot of money and effort to nominate this person. Can you vote for this candidate, as well as the people they associate with? "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm." -- Proverbs 13:20.

• Locality matters. Be careful when national political campaigns divide neighbors. You rely on the person who lives next door a lot more than the person in the White House. We have to work together with the people in our towns to keep the lights on, protect the safety of our drinking water, and repair our roads. When Hurricane Matthew swept through North Carolina last month, it was neighbors, local police, and first responders who helped those who were stranded. Sure, the Governor in Raleigh and the President in Washington care, but they cannot do anything to help until after dangers have passed. Samuel warned the people of Israel that a king would take their children, their produce, and their lands. Does your candidate have policies that will help rather than harm you, your neighbors, and your hometown?

After you vote: Love

As a pastor, my biggest concern is what happens after the election. Will both sides of this contest be able to come together? Specifically, will we be able to love those who voted differently than we did?

I fear that this polarizing political season has made us unloving. I'm not saying that we can't campaign for a particular candidate, nor should we not try to get our friends and neighbors to vote for the candidates we think are best qualified. I just want followers of Jesus to do so in a way that demonstrates love. Believe it or not, it is possible to be right while not acting like a jerk. I hope we can all do that as a nation beginning next week.

This is not the only time in history when God's people have lived amongst political strife, nor is America the only country to be so divided. John Wesley lived in England during a time of much political and social upheaval. Here is some advice he gave to the people called Methodists, way back in the 1770s:

I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them: to vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy; to speak no evil of the person they voted against; and to take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.

Amen. May it be so.