What Does the Bible Say About Voting? | Faith, Politics & Christian Witness

Jesus Didn’t Vote—But He Did Call Us to Represent Him

You won’t find midterm elections in the New Testament. But you will find Jesus dismantling systems of pride, power, and injustice with humility, truth, and grace.

He didn’t endorse Caesar, but He didn’t ignore the suffering caused by empire either. He didn’t wear a red hat or a blue sticker. But He did flip tables when religious power lost its way.

So if we say we follow Him—if we claim His name every election cycle—our votes should carry more than opinions. They should carry His heart.

The Bible Doesn’t Say Who to Vote For—But It Does Say Who to Vote Like

So, what does the Bible say about voting? Contrary to popular belief, scripture doesn’t say “Vote Republican”. But it also doesn't say “Vote Democrat.” But Jesus does say: “Blessed are the meek... the merciful... the peacemakers.” - Matthew 5:5–9 “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:44 “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.” - Matthew 25:40 Jesus didn’t just teach these words—He lived them.

• He forgave His killers.

• He touched the untouchables.

• He ate with the outcasts.

• He led with humility, not hype.

And when Satan tempted Him with all the kingdoms of the world—all the power, control, and political sway—Jesus didn’t grab the throne. He chose the cross (Matthew 4:8–10).

And let’s not forget: honesty isn’t optional just because politics are involved. God didn’t carve out an exemption for campaign season. The commandment to not bear false witness wasn’t followed by an asterisk. If your candidate routinely lies to achieve a "righteous" outcome, don’t be surprised when the result looks nothing like righteousness.

So if your vote blesses the proud but neglects the poor… protects the powerful but punishes the vulnerable… justifies cruelty for a “greater good”… and is fueled by conquering enemies rather than loving them, that’s not representing Jesus. Not even close. That’s just partisan politics baptized in a false gospel.

Section II: Kingdom Values > Party Platforms

Jesus didn’t die for a party. Or a religion. Or a country. He died for people.

And while everyone’s trying to claim Him for their side, let’s be clear: Jesus is not your party mascot.

He’s not running for office—He already has a throne.

The real question isn’t, “Which party is more Christian?”

It’s, “Does this vote reflect the values of the Kingdom?”

Those values look like:

• Caring for the poor (Matthew 25)

• Welcoming the stranger (Leviticus 19:34)

• Speaking truth (Ephesians 4:25)

• Pursuing humility over pride (Philippians 2)

• Peacemaking over provocation (Matthew 5:9)

If your vote is about “winning,” not witnessing—you’ve already lost.

Look in the Mirror—Not Across the Aisle

Let’s stop asking why the other party doesn’t act like Jesus.

Let’s ask why ours doesn’t.

If you vote red: Are compassion, mercy, and truth still part of the platform—or did they get cut for ratings and "sick burns"? If you vote blue: Does your advocacy for justice include integrity—or just indignation?

The point isn’t to shame. It’s to call believers to account. Because the hypocrisy can’t hide anymore—not when we quote the Beatitudes on Sunday but ignore them come election season. Not when we offer endless grace to "our guys" but throw the entire Bible at anyone who doesn’t share our political jersey.

If the so-called “Party of God” no longer sounds like God, maybe it’s time His people said something.

Call them. Email them. Speak up. And if they refuse to change—because fearmongering and outrage pay better than truth and repentance—well, that’s what primaries are for.

Vote them out.

Because your vote isn’t just a statement of loyalty. It’s a mirror of your discipleship.

Section IV: The Lesser Evil Still Ain’t Good

Voting for the lesser of two evils” may sound like wisdom—but it’s often just spiritual surrender with better branding.

Paul didn’t say, “Tolerate evil if the alternative is worse.”  He said, “Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

But let’s be honest—when’s the last time American Christianity hated its own evil? The reality is that American Christians aren't the most introspective bunch right now. We rage against their "evil." We campaign against their "evil."

But ours? We call it strategy. Or patriotism. Unrighteous means to a righteous end. Or “choosing the lesser evil.” Heck, we even celebrate it - tie our personal identity to it.

This isn’t revival—it’s self-deception. And challenging the Evangelical Right with scripture these days? It’s about as welcome as Jesus was at a Pharisee dinner party.

If you need to twist scripture, mute the red letters, or baptize cruelty just to justify your vote… that’s not discernment. That’s compromise.

We’re not called to blend in. We’re not called to play the game better than the other side.

We’re called to stand out. To be a light in the darkness. To cling to what is good—even when it’s costly.

And we’re especially called to be consistent in our faith. Because when Christians excuse sin in their candidate of choice but condemn it in their opponent, we’re not offering a Christlike witness—we’re exposing our hypocrisy. And the world sees it. Loud and clear.

Selective outrage isn’t righteousness. It’s political self-interest dressed in Scripture.

You don’t have to vote like your family, your church, or your favorite influencer.

You have to vote like someone who actually believes Jesus meant what He said.

Even if it costs you comfort.Even if it costs your side the win.

So... How Should a Christian Vote?

Not by asking, “What helps my team win?” Ask, “What reflects Jesus?”

Use a better filter:

• Does this vote reflect justice, mercy, humility, and truth?

• Does it protect the vulnerable—or elevate the already powerful?

• Does it promote peace—or stoke division?

• Does it align with the way of the cross—or just affirm your tribe?

• Does it demand accountability for all, or offer grace to your tribe while condemning the other?

And for the one-issue voter: if your single righteous cause—say, protecting unborn life—is achieved by empowering leaders who harm the already-born in other ways… are we truly being “pro-life,” or just politically loyal? If your vote is meant to save lives, but it indirectly contributes to policies that harm others, isn’t that worth wrestling with?

Are your politicians representing Christ—or just using Him as currency?

If answering honestly makes you squirm—good. That’s where conviction lives.

Conclusion: You’re Not Voting for a Savior—You’re Voting as a Witness

No ballot will usher in the Kingdom.

But every vote reveals which kingdom you’re living for.

So no—the Bible doesn’t tell you who to vote for. But it absolutely tells you what to vote like.

With mercy. With truth. With humility. With courage.

And with awareness that the world is watching. If we claim to love Jesus but celebrate and promote leaders who behave nothing like Him, what does that say about the Jesus we claim to follow? Our political allegiance can either amplify our Christian witness—or completely undermine it.

Let your vote reflect the Gospel—even if your party doesn’t.

If your political position requires you to explain away the teachings of Jesus, your political position is problematic.