The most neglected elections are at the city, school board and county levels. So a very small minority of people elect the city councils, school boards and county commissioners or supervisors. Because these elections are usually held at a date different from the statewide and federal elections voter turnout is significantly lower. This, however, is by design. The ones who have the greatest vested interest in these positions are the public service unions and they get their people to turn out so they can control their pay raises and other benefits. When we ignore these races we do so at our own risk because city ordinances can affect us in a much more direct way than Washington DC.

Here is an example of such local election folly: A couple who lived in a coastal community voted for a local ordinance without taking time to research its implications. They just listened to the published pro-ordinance sound bites. The ordinance passed. They owned a piece of property that was on the waterfront/beach and when, a few years later, they tried to build on their own property, this ordinance prevented them from doing so because it was a beachfront property. They owned the land, but were prohibited from building on it and, therefore, couldn’t even sell it as it was unusable. Local ordinances and local elected officials are important and can quite seriously affect you and your life.

God says that we are to choose men/women who fear God and are trustworthy. This is a good guideline. Most of our elected officials are politicians and very few are true “statesmen”. There is a difference. A politician makes decisions based upon current polling data, rather than what is right for the constituents and the nation long-term. On the other hand, a “statesman” is that unusual person who makes decisions and takes positions based upon what is good for all the people on an enduring basis. Statesmen are more concerned with securing what is best for the nation in the long term and are willing to make the hard decisions rather than popular decisions that just kick the can down the road.

Most of us can relate to the above definitions by equating them to the permissive parenting style versus the intentional parenting style that thinks long term. Which type do you want representing you? We need to find and support candidates who have a strong moral fiber and character. Their past moral behavior is the foundation of their future moral behavior. Matthew 7:15 records a warning about false prophets, which can apply to politicians:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.”

Here are some organizations that put out voter guides during election cycles:

The Christian Coalition  *  Eagle Forum  *  American Family Association
Traditional Values Coalition (in California ) *  Heritage Alliance

These groups cover the state and federal candidates and some judges. At the local level, you will need to attend candidate forums, listen to what they say closely and question them. They are local and much easier to get to know. They also have websites that will be informative.

In conclusion, to determine the best candidate to support:

1. Ask the Lord for His wisdom and knowledge.
2. Do your homework and learn about the background and policy positions of each candidate.
3. Ask these questions: Are they morally qualified? Do they have the skills to govern? What groups or individuals are supporting that person? Are there any hidden agendas?
4. If (in the general election) both candidates are morally unacceptable, I personally would not openly support either of them, but I would vote for the one who is the least objectionable who may be easier to influence. Choosing not to vote in these instances has proven to have many negative and unintended consequences. Remember, vote your conscience in the primary!

Bottom line we are to be informed voters! The next generation of Americans is depending on you and every future generation to guard America’s Judeo-Christian values and freedoms. Remember, God is a God of good government – He ordained it. Moreover, He ordained us to be responsible for it. With responsibility comes accountability, and be assured He will hold us accountable. We, as a nation, have been given much (Luke 12:48b) and currently are in danger of losing much if we don’t wake up.

Next: November – The Gratefulness Month

Dinner Table Discussion: Discuss the ways you plan to become more informed and what that would really look like. Also, study the political party platforms and decide which one best represents God’s idea of good government (not that either one is living up to their potential) and vote for that party.