How Do I Choose A Candidate?

 

So, you know you should vote, but how can you tell who to vote for?  Here are a few suggestions to consider.

 1-Separate Principles from Policies

            All candidates talk about broad goals. World Peace, Health Care, Education, War etc. Accomplishing those goals is the harder task. It takes some genuine conviction, honest thinking, careful planning, and cooperation. So, ask yourself: will this promises likely require increasing the size of government? Increase   taxes? Remember, Government tax and spend policies are usually very wasteful. Is that what you want?

 2-Does the Candidate have a Christian World-View?

            Is he pro-life? Is she supportive of God’s definition of marriage? Do they believe that parents, rather than the state or the school board, have the final say about what you child/teen learns is taught at school? Are they hostile to, and/or want your child to be silent about their faith?

 3-Political Parties Matter

            Remember, the Party is bigger than the candidate. When you vote for your candidate, remember that they are also closely connected to their Party. How their Party votes on the issues will more often than not affect their vote on those issues. Will they maintain their personal convictions on certain issues, or…are     they likely to vote with the Party for job security and future influence? Well then, do you vote for the “lesser of two “evils?” There will never be a perfect candate, so you can think about it this way: how much that is good will be accomplished by one candidate as opposed to the other?

 4-What if All Choices are Bad?

            Write in a name, or skip that section of the ballot. By all means do not stay home. The effectiveness of our form of Government depends on our participation in the voting process.

 5-What if I Don’t Know the Candidates?

            Read! A lot! Find a source that will provide you with a non-partisan voters guide. Talk frankly with friends you trust. Ask questions of people you respect.  When you get good and trustworthy information, share it with your friends.

 Paul Bersche