Preparing for Election Day
Dear Friends,
As we prepare for Election Day tomorrow, I am praying for the candidates, officials overseeing the election process, poll workers, and I am praying for all of us, the voters.
The vote is not not the act of ultimate significance some have made it out to be, but it is something we can hope to steward well. Political outcomes affect our neighbors’ well-being, and so we care about our politics. I hope you will vote tomorrow: not because our politics is everything it should be right now, but because our politics can and should be so much better. However you use your vote tomorrow, use it for love. Use it for the good, as best as you can discern it. That’s how we want to live.
We’re going to need leaders tomorrow, and we will need leaders in the days that follow. We’re going to need peacemakers, truth-tellers, and public good-seekers. Here is what you need to know to lead in this way over the coming days:
Do Not Be Anxious: We know that the winner of the presidential election may not be clear on election night. If the race is as close as polling suggests, projections will be difficult. It may take days before a winner can be determined as ballots are carefully counted.
Do Not Be Manipulated: There will likely be attempts at deception on Election Night, as the bored and the malevolent (including foreign governments) seek to use uncertainty to stoke conflict and confusion. Be wary of sensational claims, or self-interested declarations.
Do Not Act Hastily: With tensions high and political conflict at center stage, we can be tempted to say things we should not say, and do things we should not do. Do not throw away your integrity in the heat of the moment. Be gracious toward others, and discerning as you speak and act.
We have released a conversation at our 2024 Summit moderated by Founding Board Member Chris Crawford regarding secure, free, and fair democracy. This conversation will be helpful to you if you want to understand how our elections work.
And if you are still considering your vote, or if you want to have a guide for family dinner table conversations this evening, you can check out our non-manipulative voting guide.
You will hear from us at the Center for Christianity and Public Life again in the coming days. In the meantime, remember that Christ does not give as the world gives, but gives us his peace instead (John 14:27).
With Joyful Confidence,
Michael Wear
Michael Wear is the President & CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life.
