Faith in Action: My Approach to Voting as a Christian
By Cidra M. Sebastien
August marks 60 years since the Voting Rights Act became a law requiring federal oversight to prohibit racial discrimination in voting, and 120 years since the 19th Amendment became a law prohibiting the denial of the right to vote based on sex. Today, we still see the voting rights of Black people, women and poor people contested. Unfortunately, the contesting is coming from elected officials at the highest levels as well as some Christian leaders. In the face of proposed policies and enacted tactics making it difficult for eligible voters to cast their ballots, we must vote and encourage others to vote, not just for “big” elections – such as when we’re voting for a president or a governor – but in every election cycle. When you think about it, every year is an election year.
Listen, I often get frustrated about the election process specifically, and politics in general. Sometimes I get so angry, I want to re-enact Jesus flipping tables at least 3 times a day. (Is this just me?) I also get weary by people who move from a spirit of, “It is what it is,” or “It’s above me.” Whether it’s indifference, cynicism or fatigue… actually, I understand why it’s all three. I’m not one of those tsk-tsk, shaming folks into voting kind of people. I get it. The world is ablaze from multiple fires, and doing and thinking the least about politics becomes a comfort zone. For others, they are not able to vote because of their age, immigration status, conviction record, illness, or disability. Some struggle to see the point in voting when they cannot point out the ways voting for one candidate or another will directly and positively improve their lives.
In New York City, we are in a hot election season that includes candidates for mayor, comptroller, city council, and public advocate. How these leaders implement policies and manage the city’s budget will impact housing, public education, healthcare, safety, transportation, and more. If you are eligible to vote, PMA wants you to vote. As a Christian, there are five things that I keep in mind as I approach voting.
1. Pray
Prayer is my unlimited calling plan to God. Whether I’m overjoyed or ready to fight the power, praying gets me grounded in gratitude or brings me comfort in knowing from where my help comes. I’m grateful for the many reminders in Scripture to come to God in prayer. As it relates to this current election season, national and world politics, I often read or recite Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Somebody say, “Amen.”) Sometimes I just pray, “Lord, thank you for this victory.” Or, “Lord! What is happening?!” As Christians, we need to not only remember God is with us all the time but we can access God through prayer at any time. We get to give thanks in prayer, ask for forgiveness in prayer, lament in prayer, or ask for direction in prayer.
2. Get Information
We have access to so much information but it doesn’t mean we’re any wiser for it. We need to be discerning and mindful about the information we consume. Reading or listening to opposing views may result in me slamming my laptop shut like a 2004 flip phone, or talking back to an article like it’s arguing out loud with me (I know I’m not the only one) but knowing and understanding what the “other guy” is saying is necessary. I use information that challenges me to challenge me. It forces me to fact-check, reflect on, and learn from opposing opinions.
As we gather information, we may find candidates who are heart-on-fire-for-Christ Christians. Some candidates attend church services and quote Bible verses in their speeches (now, we know in Matthew 4 the devil tried it with his ability to quote Scripture but did not succeed in tempting our one and only King, Jesus). Other candidates may not be Christians at all. While I don’t believe candidates being Christian is a prerequisite to receive my vote, I do believe they need to be people of good character and integrity. They need to reflect values that God values – they do not write unjust laws; they do good and correct oppression; they love their neighbors and strangers as themselves; and they act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Isa. 1:17 and 10:1-2, Matt. 22:39, Lev. 19:33-34, Mic. 6:8). Candidates do a great job of telling on themselves so listen to what they say. Read their websites and social media, watch them during debates, and get informed.
3. Reflect and Reset as Needed
Y’all, drama. Flip flopping. Escándalo. Politicians, just like us, are flawed humans who have sinned or are about to sin. Photos, videos, and soundbites from 20 years ago or two weeks ago will be brought to light as evidence of their fierce leadership or their major failings. Because of this, it’s key that we reflect on new information we encounter and, as needed, reset our commitment to cast a ballot in a candidate’s favor. Early in a campaign candidates may have had an opposing view on an issue but then, after learning and listening on the campaign trail, changed their perspective on that issue. (Cool.) It may have come to light that a candidate was involved in a scandal that puts into question their integrity and ability to lawfully perform their duties. (No bueno.) Whatever it is, new information will create shifts in public opinion and your opinion about a candidate’s character and/or ability to govern on behalf of the greater good. Keep seeking accurate information, reflect on it, ask God for discernment, and reset your perspective as needed.
4. Get In Formation
When a certain somebody announces a concert, like Transformers, we assemble. The group chat is a constant flow of dates, seating charts, price ranges, and the let out details. Attire guidance is shared and obliged. (Oh, the mountains we would move if we used similar strategies when it comes to voting.) As we are praying, stalking researching candidates, and reflecting on what we are learning, we need to bring our family and friends into the fold.
Did your friends who just moved change their address on their voter registration?
Who are the people in your circle or neighborhood that may need additional support to get to the polls?
Are you watching the mayoral debate together? (Pro-tip: Come out and watch it with PMA this fall!)
Is your weekend crew going to vote on the same day, then brunch afterwards?
Pray together. Volunteer to register voters together. Research candidates and their proposed policies together. Become poll workers together. Round up your people, get in formation, and be engaged together.
5. Faith Into Action
A good friend recently reminded me that Jesus calls His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16). Christians are to influence culture, including politics, for the good. We can faithfully trust God and use our power to tangibly create change. God is in control and wear a seatbelt when you get into a car. God is a healer and get the best medical treatment should your leg break. God is our provider and we are to sow seeds in order to reap a harvest.
Family, there is work for us to do. God reigns and we get to demonstrate our faith through action. (I mean, we are called, “Pray. March. Act.”)