What an incredibly draining and unpopular election! Some of the polling data was brutal and just showed elements of what made Election Day so unique and painful yesterday. I will have some thoughts on that in the third paragraph, but for now, let’s just look at some of the data without commentary. As I write this (it will change in the days ahead), there were 119M ballots cast on Nov 8, 2016 and our estimated voting population is 227M, so that is a voter turnout of 52.6% (check google, etc for data). This is the lowest number of voters since 2000 (105M) and lowest percentage since then as well (50.3%). This is curious. Key swing states (like Wisconsin, Michigan, Colorado and Virginia) saw declines in overall voting numbers and others (Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida) saw overall numbers go up. Here you can learn some interesting facts. Trump carried white voters, Continue reading →

Yes, yes there is. You should also vote – it is a civic duty, responsibility and opportunity. Democracy is only as good as those who participate and a democratic republic is only as good as its elected officials. I’m not sure that is true. However, if it is even close to being true, then who we vote for is of utmost importance.

So, here’s my piece on voting for tomorrow. I will try to keep it somewhat opinion-free, but I can’t guarantee you will feel that way when reading it.

1. Vote and vote your conscience. I would hope that you have prayed about this and are at peace with your decision. Remember that this candidate is not your friend, so you really can’t know them as well as you like. You must determine what you feel you must do as closely as you can and vote accordingly. Jesus isn’t running… although you could write Him in, I suppose. Although He already saved us and will deliver us fully when He returns. He has a higher office than any on the ticket, so He won’t take office on January 20.
2. Do your research. You must know what are voting for and about. Check out this site and read up on all the candidates – down ballot candidates are just as important to you and I, as the national offices can only change so much. There are state, county and village appointments to fill as well that may in fact affect our day to day more. Know the issues and what you are voting on. Here’s some info from a source I trust – I like Ed and we have many mutual friends. Also, do a quick search for your county and local officials by typing this into your search bar above: “___________ (county name) 2016 ballot” and read up!
3. Tell others to vote – share this post or share the info you find and encourage others to be a part of the process!
4. Pray for our officials! There is a lot to feel bad about this time around – but God may move hearts that we don’t expect and lead people in a way we can’t fathom. Pray!
5. Be a part of making America better – get involved with people and show them the love of Jesus. Laws will not change behavior – but a repentant heart will! If we focused on discipleship and growing in Christ, change might actually happen. Help with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, be a youth leader or volunteer for your elected officials. Write them and let them know how you feel. Be an active constituent! I know many of us feel bad about where we are going, but a piece of paper on Tuesday is only a small piece of the puzzle – do more!
6. Trust Jesus.

Thanks for reading and we will see what happens!