Elections were just a couple of weeks ago in Canada, and tomorrow is Election Day in the US.
I believe the right to vote is one we should fervently exercise, as our public policies do impact you and I in the taxes we pay, how those funds are spent, and the potential regulations that impact many of our lives.
Personally, unless I’ve done some basic research on a particular issue or candidate, I make it my rule to abstain from marking my ballot on those questions. That motivates me to seek out the truth, as best I can. As I seriously value my right to vote, I have to also take some responsibility for how I vote… and that’s means being objectively informed.
Your research can begin by simply checking with resources you already trust; seeking opinions from persons or organizations that reflect your basic beliefs which you want upheld.
When deciding on which candidate to support, I hope we’d be looking at character over who is best looking, best sounding, or just a name that sounds sort of familiar. There are often appealing titles for various measures we may be asked to vote on, but as they say ‘the devil is frequently is in the details.” Critical thinking includes looking at varied perspectives on an issue, or a person’s background, not just the one view you are already familiar with.
Whether for this election or many to come, I hope we all take the liberty to be an informed voter. Let’s ask God for discernment, as well as pray for the future of our communities and nations.
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