As elections approach, many Christians feel the pressure to “do their civic duty” and head to the polls. Church leaders encourage political involvement. Social media influencers equate patriotism with discipleship. But what if voting—meant to reflect our values—is quietly compromising our faith?
I want to make the case that faithful Christian voting sometimes means not voting at all, especially when all the choices are opposed to God’s Word.
Christian Voting Is a Moral Act—Not Just a Civic One
In today’s political climate, it’s easy to treat voting like a checklist item: Show up, pick the lesser evil, and move on. But Christians are not called to pragmatism—we’re called to righteousness.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17
That includes elections. That includes voting.
A vote is more than a political action. It’s a moral endorsement. When we cast a ballot, we say, “I stand behind this person or this policy.” Can we honestly say that when a candidate supports abortion, lies regularly, or passes laws that directly contradict Scripture?
The “Lesser of Two Evils” Is Still Evil
Let’s talk about a phrase that gets thrown around a lot in Christian circles during election season: “I’m just voting for the lesser of two evils.”
But Scripture doesn’t call us to choose between degrees of sin. It calls us to pursue holiness.
“Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” — Romans 12:9
That doesn’t leave room for compromise. Voting for evil—just because it’s slightly less evil—still makes us complicit.
Every candidate represents something. If what they represent stands opposed to God’s Word, then we must reject it—even if the alternative is worse.
False Christianity on the Campaign Trail
Many politicians invoke the name of Jesus during campaigns. They’ll quote Scripture, talk about church attendance, and slap the “Christian” label on their political brand. But look closely at their fruit—and it often tells a different story.
“You will know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16
Not by their slogans. Not by their Bible verses taken out of context. And not by the “Christian” label they apply to themselves during an election year.
If someone has to tell you they’re a Christian, they probably aren’t living like one. Real faith doesn’t need a billboard—it’s visible in how someone lives, leads, and loves. Sadly, many so-called Christian candidates are fooling voters while standing for policies that directly oppose the Gospel.
Elected Officials Represent You
In America, politicians are called representatives for a reason. When we vote for them, they don’t just represent their own views—they represent ours.
That means their actions, their policies, and their moral failures are tied to our endorsement if we helped put them in power. If they fund evil, push wicked laws, or promote unrighteous causes, our support makes us complicit.
“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” — Romans 14:12
That includes how we voted—and who we helped empower.
A Missouri Example: Abortion and Christian Conscience
Missouri voters may soon face a proposed constitutional amendment concerning abortion. At first glance, it looks like progress—it would repeal the amendment that legalized abortion in the state and replace it with a more restrictive one.
But the new proposal still allows for exceptions—cases where abortion would still be legal. While some may see this as a “step in the right direction,” it still permits the taking of innocent life in situations where God’s Word does not allow it.
This is where discernment is critical. Christians can’t just vote for “better.” We must vote for biblical. And when no option fully aligns with God’s truth, our role is not to settle for less—it’s to stand firm and say, “This still isn’t right.”
What Should Christians Do at the Polls?
Here’s what I’m not saying: I’m not telling Christians to stay home. I believe we should go to the polls. We should engage with culture. We should pray for our leaders. But we should never vote just to vote.
Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is to walk into the voting booth—and leave certain ovals blank.
That’s not apathy. That’s integrity.
When every candidate is compromised, we don’t have to support any of them. When every ballot measure falls short of God’s standards, we don’t have to endorse it. Christ didn’t die so we could protect our political team—He died to make us holy.
Closing Thought: Vote With a Clear Conscience
Christian voter guides and political endorsements can be helpful—but they are not Scripture. The final authority on every vote you cast is not your favorite podcast or political action committee—it’s Jesus Christ.
So before you fill in a bubble, ask yourself:
Can I stand before Jesus and say, “This vote glorified You”?
If the answer is “no,” or even “I’m not sure,” then don’t cast that vote. There’s no shame in restraint—only in compromise.
Let us be Christians who vote when we can do so in truth—and who are willing to walk away when voting would make us complicit in evil. This is what it means to live with a renewed mind, a biblical worldview, and a heart that seeks to honor God in all things.
