Election time is coming soon. I know there are frequent elections on the local and state level, but you know which one I am talking about. The national election will be here soon and it is never too early to start talking about how we are not going to lose our heads this time around... maybe.
The world of politics is messy because it is about power. As long as there is sin in the world there will be people who hunger for power and control. Politics bring out the best and the worst in people. Politicians and the machines that run their campaigns will pull on every heart-string, social angle, and whatever else they can to gain your attention and vote. So, before all of that winds up, let's talk about some guidelines to help you know who to vote for.
I go further into each of these in the video below, but here are a few ideas to think about in order.
1- Find your foundational values.
We all have things we are passionate about. However, when politicians run for office, there's re often many different issues that make up the platform of their campaign. How do you decide what is important and what you are willing to give grace on? Find your foundation values. Your foundation values are the key issues that are non-negotiable in your view. These might include pro-life, gun control, lower taxes, etc. Once you find what these foundational values are for you, you can then move toward the next step.
2- Track down their track record.
After establishing where your values line up with the candidate, find out what their track record is on those issues. It is one thing for the candidate to say they value the same things as you, but did they prove it? When it came time for them to stand for those values, did they do so? If they have served in a public office before, check the public records for their voting history. If they line up here, go to the next one.
3- Research their political party.
This is important because, no matter what your candidate says, they will align with their political affiliation most of the time. When they come across an issue they have not voted for, it can be difficult to know where they will stand. Likely, it will be with their political party. So, it is important you know where the party stands on those topics so you can have a good idea of where they will vote or decide as well.
4- Notice their character.
Once you have found your foundational values, tracked down to see if the candidate agrees, and then researched their political party, you are ready to get personal.
This one should be first. Why did I place it last? It seems like almost every day there is a new scandal coming out about the top political people we vote on every four years. Because of this, it seems safe to assume they are all not the type of people we would want to be friends with. If we voted on integrity and honesty, none of them would win. Therefore, we have to go with what we have. Don't overlook this category, but we cannot make this the top priority. It is a shame, but it is what it is.
I hope this helps start you on your way.
What do you primarily look for in a candidate?
Anything we should add to the list?
Video Link: https://youtu.be/rhLyESJUb4Q
