Written by Matthew Karns
After an interminable election season, Americans will finally go to the polls November 5 to choose our elected officials. While many have long ago decided their vote, some are still unsure about who they will vote for, particularly when it comes to the presidential race.
Should we choose the “lesser of two evils?” Should we vote for a third-party candidate? Should we choose not to vote? While we may be relieved that the endless barrage of political advertisements will cease, it is our duty to eventually reach a determination.
What is the best option for a conscientious Christian? For the presidential election, two major choices exist. Two entirely different campaigns with one that began in November of 2022 and the other in July of this year. One candidate’s policies align with American values of democracy while the other candidate’s aligns with a more progressive point of view. But putting all parties aside, how does a Christian make the best decision?
When making decisions in life, including how to vote, Christians should first look to the guidance of God’s Word in the Bible. While the Bible does not provide direct instructions on voting, it offers relevant principles. For example, the verse from Jeremiah 29:7 encourages seeking the well-being of our community and praying for it, as the community’s welfare is tied to our own. Additionally, Romans 13:1-3 affirms that all governments are under God’s authority, and calls citizens to live responsibly. These biblical teachings can help shape a Christian’s approach to voting and civic engagement.
Civic-minded citizens should vote responsibly, basing their decisions on a thorough understanding of candidates and policies. We have a responsibility to stay informed, and a wise citizen would never blindly select a candidate, even one of their own party. Responsible voters should have well-reasoned grounds for believing that the policies or candidates they support will genuinely promote the common good, rather than just their personal religious convictions. In contrast, it would not be wise to cast ballots out of ignorance, irrational beliefs, or self-interested immorality. We vote considering the broader implications for society. Good voters make informed choices based on candidates’ platforms and the likely impact on the public welfare, not just their own beliefs.
As Christians, we should support whom we believe will best promote the common good. However, this can be challenging, as we often disagree on a candidate’s stance on individual issues. Furthermore, we may diverge in our views on which voting strategies are most likely to fulfill this standard of promoting the The most common voting strategy is to support a candidate with whom you have no reservations, called a “no qualms” strategy. This means voting for the candidate you believe is most likely to implement policies that will either promote or at least not harm the common good. This approach is often taken when: (1) the candidate has outlined a clear plan to promote the common good, which you agree with; (2) the candidate has the character and integrity necessary to uphold and not undermine the common good; and (3) the candidate is otherwise qualified and fit for the office.
Voters may also ascribe to a “least bad option” voting strategy. Since one of the two major party candidates will win the election, you may choose to vote for the one who is least likely to harm and most likely to promote the public interest. You might have reservations about a candidate, but those reservations may not be strong enough to make you consider that candidate completely unworthy of your vote.
The reasoning behind this approach is similar to the “no-regrets” principle. It’s not enough to simply vote against a candidate because they are a “bad option.” Instead, we must vote for someone who has a high likelihood of serving the greater good. We therefore cannot simply choose the “lesser of two evils” – that would imply both candidates would be harmful to the public interest. However, you may be able to vote in good conscience for a “least harmful” option if you believe that candidate is otherwise qualified and fit for the office.
Our choice of political candidates should also be influenced by the moral teachings of Christ. The Bible condemns hatred, lust, murder, and adultery as sins against God’s law. A thoughtful voter, recognizing the pervasive wickedness in the world, will aim to support candidates who uphold Christian values and oppose practices like abortion and homosexuality, which are sinful.
Ultimately, no matter which candidates you vote for, if you are a Christian you will consider the rapid moral decline of our country when voting. It is paramount to vote for those who advocate for our precious traditional American and Christian values.
