Trump, Clinton — maybe Johnson? If you’re not sure where to cast your vote this election season, you’re not alone. Between the allegations of misogyny, criminal activity, and general insanity that continues to permeate this election season, it seems easiest to throw in the towel — and with it your vote.
But, as we are encouraged by the First Presidency to “fully participate in the political process,” political inactivity is not an option. We are blessed to live in a country that operates on the premise of democracy, and are expected to take full advantage of the rights our forefather’s fought so hard to preserve. So, in hopes of making this election season as painless as possible, here are some guidelines to help you make the best use of your vote.
1. Get to Know Their Platform
It was James Madison who wrote,”…a popular government, without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both.” With the unlimited access to information we’re afforded today, choosing who to vote for should be easier than ever — but it isn’t. Taking the time to sift through the bias, mudslinging, and theatrics of an election in order to find solid information can be so overwhelming, many voters don’t even bother with it. This results in voters who aren’t uninformed, but poorly informed.
As Latter-day Saints and American citizens, it is part of our civic duty to make educated decisions regarding the leadership of this country. In October 2014, the First Presidency admonished church members to “spend the time needed to become informed about the issues and candidates you will be considering as you vote.”
It is up to us to take an active role as citizens, examine policies, and seek out information that is free from bias. This might be a good place to start.
When determining who to vote for, it is important to take note of particular moral positions the Church has taken a stance on, and prayerfully weigh them into your vote as needed.
2. Do They Uphold the Constitution?
In 1940, President J. Reuben Clark Jr. wrote, “Under His plan our allegiance and the only allegiance we owe as citizens or denizens of the United States, runs to our inspired Constitution which God himself set up.”
In 1964, the First Presidency guided us to support candidates “who are truly dedicated to the Constitution in the tradition of our Founding Fathers” (Deseret News, November 2, 1964).
Devotion to the guiding principles organized by our Founding Fathers and inspired by God is a must. President Clark counseled us not to pledge our loyalty to politicians or parties, but to the framework that has sustained our country for over 200 years.
However, we cannot make a wise decision if our own understanding of the constitution is lacking. In order to select those who truly abide by the principles of the constitution, President Ezra Taft Benson counseled in his talk Civic Standards for the Faithful Saints, that we need to understand the Constitution, for ourselves, “as the founders meant that it should be understood.”
Fortunately, The Heritage Foundation has made understanding the constitution easier with their in-depth Guide to The Constitution.
3. Consider Their Character
Once you’ve come to an adequate understanding of each candidate’s platform, and determined their allegiance to the constitution, you should then take into account their character.
“God, the Father of us all, uses the men of the earth, especially good men, to accomplish his purposes. It has been true in the past, it is true today, it will be true in the future.” (Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference 1976.)
As a nation, we need a leader who is good. What exactly does good entail? Perhaps we can gauge it on how closely they align with the attributes of Christ:
- Virtue
- Knowledge
- Temperance
- Patience
- Brotherly Kindness
- Charity
- Humility
- Diligence
Yes, it is completely naive to expect any one candidate to exhibit all, or even most of these values in full force — this is not the type of person our political system favors. Not only that, but we all falter in striving to embody each of these characteristics. You can, however, use these as points of reference to determine how far off the character of each candidate is and whether they’re progressing toward or away from each attribute.
It was Hyrum Smith who once said “… to vote for wicked men, it would be sin.” Armed with modern revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is our duty to prayerfully judge each candidates’ capability and reputation.
4. Let the Spirit Guide
“I would suggest that you first apply the fourth great civic standard for the faithful Saints. That standard is to live for, to get, and then to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.” (Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference 1976.)
Once you’ve put in the work on your part, place your trust in the Lord. If you’re in tune with the Spirit, and allow its promptings to influence your decision — you can’t go wrong. Today more than ever, the world has fallen victim to deceit. It is important that as members of the Church, we maintain a relationship with our Lord, and faithfully follow His guidance — especially that guidance concerning who to choose to lead our country.
Pray about your decision with an open heart, and follow the guidance you receive.
Remember, once the decision is made and the nation selects its next leader — even if we don’t agree with the decision — President Benson advises that “as Latter-day Saints we should pray for our civic leaders and encourage them in righteousness.”
