18plus: Don't be a donkey!
22nd July 2010 by Casey O'Brien
These days, it’s impossible to watch the news (or a news-break in the middle of Big Bang Theory) without hearing the words ‘upcoming election’. Some of you may tune these words out, but some of you may be wondering what this actually means.
The current political climate is crazytown, to say the least. I remember that my first voting experience was extremely daunting, and it wasn’t NEARLY as crazy a time as this, so I thought I’d attempt to give you a few tips on how Christians should handle the whole voting process. As much as I’d love to, I won’t be telling you who to vote for. Instead, I’m going to offer some pointers on how to (and how not to!) decide who to vote for.
Get your holiness on
This is the most important thing to do with voting – get in tune with God. If you’re not in tune with God, ignore everything else I’ve written in this article and go and get yourself together. Our votes as Christians are pointless – and can be dangerous – if they’re not in line with God’s ideals.
Think about it – you have Someone who is full of (ultimate) wisdom willing to advise you on the decisions you make in your day-to-day life. That’s part of what holiness is about! And believe it or not, holiness impacts your voting! You need to know where you stand on issues. And as Christians, we do this by being in tune with God and hearing what he has to say to us.
Make sure you actually vote!
In order for your vote to be useful, you need to actually vote! Aside from the nasty fine you will receive if you fail to, you should make sure you vote because it is a privilege. I could go on about the millions of people who can’t vote, or about your democratic responsibility, but I won’t. What I will tell you, is that as Christians living in a democratic nation, God has given us an opportunity to speak up. We have an opportunity to stand up for the issues and morals that God has placed in our hearts and minds – why would you waste that?!
So while it’s tempting to go in there and scribble a note, or put two ‘number 1’s’ in the box to make your vote a donkey vote, I’m urging you not to. Don’t waste your vote. Voting properly and effectively really isn’t that hard or time-consuming. The gift of the opportunity to speak our minds through voting is a blessing – use it.
Get the Facts.
These days, everyone has an opinion on every politician. Try to ignore this. Find out what each party stands for, and think about how their stances line up with your ideals and feelings. It won’t take as long as you think – all you have to do is Google the parties that you hear about on the news and look at their ‘What we stand for’ pages. As you read, things will start to stand out to you. Some things you’ll read will make you cringe, some will resonate with you and some will make you want to find out more. Follow those reactions!
In Australia, many people follow their parents’ vote. While your vote may end up being the same as your parents, don’t vote for someone just because your parents do. Do the research for yourself, work out which party you believe reflects your ideals, and go from there.
It’s also important to remember that there are more parties than just Liberal and Labor. Make sure you check everyone out in order to make your vote the most effective.
Talk to people around you
While politics is often a taboo subject, I’m realising more and more the importance of discussing these things with others. Sure, you may have an opinionated argument, but you should have a few people around you who you can discuss these things with without anyone getting feisty.
As I mentioned before, I don’t think it’s wise to vote for someone just because your parents do, but I do think it’s important to talk to your parents or someone you respect and find out why they vote the way they do. Ask them why they vote for that party and not the other guys. Bear in mind that some people don’t like discussing these things, and respect them if this is the case.
Pray
It’s important to spend some time praying before the election. I’m not talking about doing an overnight prayer vigil at Parliament House (although if you want to do that, don’t let me discourage you!). I’m talking about asking God to direct you in your voting, and to make clear to you the intentions and motives of the parties involved. It’s amazing the amount of clarity that prayer can bring to an otherwise really confusing situation!
Some helpful websites:
Australian Electoral Commission
Casey O'Brien has recently finished her degree in Criminology, and has started her Masters degree. She is Youth Group Leader at Sydney Congress Hall, and thinks that it would be impossible for anyone to find a better bunch of young people than them.
Casey is passionate about social justice, loves watching The West Wing and 30 Rock, and reading crime fiction. She loves chocolate (fair trade, of course), Coke and cookie dough and has discovered a recent interest in politics.
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Comments
Some good advice! I am learning more and more that God should be at the centre of EVERY decision I make (which definately includes voting), and I should defer to His wisdom in all aspects of life, after all, our God is perfectly wise!
Nice one Casey.
Hey Case,
Well written article with some golden advice. It is a massive privilige to be able to vote, and we can't take it for granted. It's so important to be well informed. Some politicians count on the fact that people don't do their research, and so want to "appear good", to win votes, without any real substance behind them. It's so important to do your research, and pray pray pray!