Should Christians vote for the lesser of two evils? Well, Christians are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14), which means they are called to make a difference — however small or large — in their local communities and the world at large. One way some Christians choose to do that is by voting.
Americans will head to the polls on November 5 to vote for who they believe is the better-suited candidate for the Presidency, as well as for their state and local representatives. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump are the two main candidates vying for the 2024 presidential election, although several other candidates will also appear on ballots.
Related: Pope Francis Tells Catholics to ‘Choose Lesser Evil,’ Says Trump and Harris Both ‘Against Life’
How should Christians decide which candidate to vote for, especially when both candidates are flawed?
Should Christians vote for the lesser of two evils?
There is no easy answer to this question. Some Christians believe voting for a candidate who is not a Christian is a violation of their faith. Others think they should vote for the candidate who is most likely to support Christian values. Still, there are some Christians who think strategically about simply voting for the candidate who is most likely to win, even if they don’t find him or her too pleasing.
Thankfully, there are a few Bible passages that can help guide faith voters to navigate these choices. In Romans 13:1-7, the apostle Paul says to submit to the governing authorities, essentially calling for respect for the government and obedience to the laws. But, of course, it does not tell Christians how to vote.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul also instructs believers to pray for those in authority — because, obviously, we want those governing us to make good decisions.
Related: Christian Nationalists Use ‘Jezebel Spirit’ to Paint Kamala Harris With a Demonic Brush
Proverbs 29:2 states that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
So, what should Christians do when faced with a choice between two flawed candidates, like Harris and Trump (or whoever else appears on your state’s ballot)? Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to vote for the lesser of two evils is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. However, by considering the Bible passages above, Christians can make an informed decision in line with their values.
Here are some additional factors to consider when making a decision:
- The candidate’s character: Is the candidate honest and trustworthy? Do they have a history of making wise decisions?
- The candidate’s policies: What are the candidate’s positions on the issues that are important to you? Do they align with your Christian values?
- The candidate’s electability: How likely is the candidate to win the election? Some argue that voting for a candidate who is unlikely to win, is like wasting a vote.
This article was written with the assistance of A.I.