Many Christians simply don’t want to vote. They doubt the candidates are godly leaders and can't support either side’s behavior. Mistrust abounds on both sides, and neither seems to reflect the love of Jesus. This election season, the danger is embracing the conclusion that Christians should not engage in voting or politics.
People I greatly admire have chosen to abstain from the mudslinging and name-calling process. On reflection, I can’t say I blame them. I myself have been guilty of engaging in the name-calling and mudslinging on X and not being engaged enough in Jesus’ actual response to any of this.
Christian wisdom requires us to look for Jesus in every issue. In my new book, The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies, I explored the truth about sex and its sacredness, and I find myself needing to investigate this issue further regarding politics, voting, and Christians.
To Vote or Not to Vote? What Would Jesus Do?
In a democracy like ours in the United States, elections are pivotal moments where citizens come together to determine the future of their communities, states, and nations. Yet recent studies show a growing trend of voter disengagement among Christians in the United States. With an estimated 32 million Christians likely to sit out the 2024 elections, voter apathy is emerging as a troubling sign for both the Church and society ( Christian Post).
This disengagement, driven by frustration with divisive politics and a lack of appealing candidates, raises an important question:
What happens when believers, called to be salt and light in the world, retreat from their civic responsibilities?
Do we even have a civic responsibility when we are called to preach the Gospel to the Lost and to make Disciples? The short answer is yes, we do. I deeply believe Christians must see voting as a civic obligation and a faith-driven act that allows us to bring God’s principles into public life and influence the culture for good.
Disillusionment Is Not an Option
I know we all feel disillusioned, but when I look at scripture, I am led to believe disillusionment is not an option. Apathy toward recent elections is understandable. Many believers feel alienated from the polarized rhetoric of recent elections and believe neither political party reflects their core values. This may be true, but what if Christians did not battle, even with each other, to determine the righteousness of slavery and its eventual abolition? Galatians 6:9 says,
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Over 68% of non-voting Christians cite a lack of interest in politics. In contrast, others express frustration at choosing “the lesser of two evils” rather than a candidate they wholeheartedly support (Christian Post). I get this. No circumstance is more imperfect than one led by imperfect people! However, Scripture encourages engagement—even in imperfect circumstances. Jeremiah 29:7 calls believers to
“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Just as Daniel served under ungodly Babylonian rulers and Joseph flourished in Pharaoh’s court, Christians today are called to work for good, even when their environment isn’t ideal (Daniel 6; Genesis 41).
By retreating from the political process, believers miss the opportunity to uphold righteousness and justice. Jesus reminded His followers:
“You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.” - Matthew 5:13-16
Salt that remains in the shaker does no good, and light hidden under a basket cannot dispel darkness.
Voting Is an Act of Faith
Voting isn’t just a personal preference. It’s an act of stewardship and obedience to God’s call to influence the world. Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches us that we are held accountable for how we use God's resources and opportunities. Just as the servants were judged for what they did with what they were entrusted with, we are responsible for using our voices and voting for good.
Romans 13:1-7 also affirms the importance of engaging with governing authorities, as all authority comes from God. We are called to support and shape institutions for the common good, holding leaders accountable when they stray from truth and justice. Paul’s instruction, "Render to all what is owed them: taxes to whom taxes are due... and respect to whom respect is due" (Romans 13:7), implies that believers have a role in participating in civic life. Moreover, Proverbs 31:8-9 commands:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
Voting allows Christians to advocate for life, religious freedom, and the vulnerable in our society. What more powerful voice do the innocent have than the voices of those who understand God’s love and forgiveness personally?
3 Issues at Stake for Christian Voters
1. Religious Freedom
Paul exhorts believers to “pray for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Voting for candidates who uphold religious liberty and freedom ensures believers can continue living out their faith publicly and peacefully.
2. The Sanctity of Life.
Scripture teaches that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which forms the foundation for the pro-life stance. Proverbs 24:11 further instructs, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” Through voting, believers can advocate for policies that protect the unborn and promote the dignity of all life from conception to natural death (The Scroll)
3. Family and Parental Rights.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to teach their children God’s ways diligently. Supporting candidates who defend parental involvement in education aligns with our biblical mandate to raise children in the knowledge of God. Proverbs 22:6 reinforces,
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
My duty to shepherd my son from birth has been the biggest duty and joy of my life. It has been a gift from God I have never taken lightly. By voting, Christians can promote laws protecting these God-ordained values and resist policies undermining them.
What Is the Role of the Church in Motivating Voters?
Churches and pastors have a vital role in encouraging civic participation among believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” One way pastors can stir congregants to actively engage their faith in public life is by encouraging voting.
While some church leaders may fear appearing too political, they can focus on equipping believers to vote with a biblically informed conscience. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that “where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Let me state that same scripture from a different translation for clarity.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
We need help navigating the complexities of politics through the lens of scripture. Pastors can provide guidance without endorsing specific candidates.
Our Vote: A Seed Planted for Future Generations
Revival begins with faithful obedience. As James 2:17 teaches, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Voting is a tangible expression of faith in action, sowing seeds for a future where God’s truth and justice can flourish.
Galatians 6:9 encourages believers to “not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Even when political outcomes and climates seem discouraging, our role is to remain faithful, trusting that God can accomplish His purposes through our obedience.
Finally, Micah 6:8 provides a guiding principle, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Voting is a way to pursue justice and kindness in the public square while entrusting the results to God’s sovereign will.
Why Is it Important for Christians to Vote?
If 32 million Christians abstain from vote, their silence will shape the future of the nation in ways that could be deeply regrettable (Christian Post). As believers, we must resist the temptation to withdraw from the political process and instead embrace our responsibility to act as faithful stewards of God’s principles. Jesus’ words in Luke 12:48 remind us,
“To whom much is given, much will be required.”
We’ve been given the freedom to vote, the opportunity to influence our culture, and the responsibility to uphold God’s truth in the public arena. My scriptural reflection tells me our small part is to vote for what we believe is right.
Voting is not just about choosing a leader—it’s about being faithful in this small thing and trusting God with the rest. Whether by mail, early voting, or showing up at the polls on election day, let us make our voices heard—not for the sake of political power but for the sake of being salt and light in a world desperately in need of hope.
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Edmond Dantès
Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org
