How to Vote Faithfully.

Step One

Register — or Check Your Registration

Most Christians who don't vote are already registered. But registrations get purged when you move, when addresses change, or when you miss a couple of election cycles. Don't find out on Election Day that you're not on the roll. Check now — it takes under two minutes.

Step Two

Discern — Don't Vote by Vibes

A vote is a stewardship. Research the people on your ballot — not just the headline-grabbing names, but the state legislators, judges, and school board members whose decisions shape your daily life. Use the rubric below.

The Christian Candidate Rubric

For each candidate on your ballot, ask these twelve questions. There will be no perfect answers. Rank, weigh, and pray.

• Character. Do they demonstrate honesty, humility, and moral courage in public and private life? Do they own mistakes?
• Track record. Have they followed through on past commitments? Can you verify their claims?
• Alignment with your non-negotiables. Identify your 2–4 conscience-level issues. Where does this candidate stand?
• Protection of life. Do they defend the unborn, the disabled, and the elderly?
• Religious liberty. Will they defend the freedom of churches, ministries, and Christian institutions?
• Family and parental rights. Do their policies strengthen the family? Do they respect parents as primary educators?
• Children. Are they willing to protect kids from ideologies and substances that harm them?
• Honesty in rhetoric. Do they use misleading statistics or inflammatory language? How do they respond to fact-checking?
• Rule of law. Do they commit to accepting legitimate election outcomes and respecting constitutional limits?
• Treatment of opponents. How do they speak about people who disagree? Who have they treated with contempt?
• Judgment and prudence. Are they wise and deliberate, or impulsive? Do they listen to counsel?
• Consistency. Do they apply principles across issues — or only when convenient?

Where to Research

Step Three

Make a Plan to Vote

Knowing you'll vote is not the same as having a plan. Most missed votes aren't acts of rebellion — they're accidents of a busy day. Make your plan now.

• Decide how you'll vote. In person on Election Day? Early in person? By mail / absentee? Each state has different rules and deadlines.
• Know your polling place. It may have changed since the last election. Check at VotersVoice or your state SOS site.
• Know your ID requirements. These vary by state. Don't show up unprepared.
• Put it on the calendar. Election Day, early voting window, and registration deadline — all three.
• Bring someone. Drive a friend. Text five people the week before. A faithful voter brings others.
• If turned away at the polls: You have rights. Request a provisional ballot. Call the non-partisan Election Protection hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Before You Vote — A Prayer

Father, we thank you that you are not surprised by elections. Before we cast our ballots, teach us to pray.

We pray for candidates — that they would govern with wisdom, justice, humility, and mercy.

We pray for voters — that we would seek your kingdom first, weigh issues prayerfully, and vote with a clear conscience.

We pray for our neighbors — especially those who will vote differently — that we would love them as Christ has loved us.

We pray for our country — that we would pursue what is good, true, and beautiful, and leave something better for our children.

In Jesus's name, Amen.