VOTE!

In no way does this website encourage you not to vote. We all have a duty, as citizens of a democracy, to vote. Voting is how we make our voices heard. Our vote is significant. Every vote is significant. If you go to the ballot booths, you do not throw your vote away. The only wasted vote is a vote not cast.

I hope I’m paranoid when I hear, “write in Jesus? No, that’s a waste of a vote.” Some who read this may be thinking that. Well, you’re wrong. You’re wrong and I don’t think you get it.

The principle of voting is to express yourself. It is not about “winning” or “losing” or “victory” or “defeat”. Rationalizing a vote so that it elects a given candidate while ignoring your true beliefs is a defeatist mentality that disrespects yourself. Since when did your ideas need to go along with the majority or else they were a waste?

Others I’ve heard are concerned of votes that will be lost to a terrible candidate like Jesus of Nazareth. “Don’t vote for him, he’ll never win. Vote for this other guy that’s kinda like the one you wanted.” There’s a time and place for compromise. Fortunately our democratic system doesn’t have to be one where you do so with your vote.

To those who have gone before us, it has already occurred that there must be a place on your ballot for your vote to be written in. If you don’t see the name you want leading you on the list with little empty bubbles then pick up the pen and write it in. Nobody is there to judge you. The ballot booth is private for that very reason. You’re vote is anonymous and equal to every other vote.

Rich or poor, Black or White, Smart or Dumb, Strong or Weak, Male or Female, your vote is equal. That is fundamental. That is inalienable. That we submit ourselves to. We bond ourselves by it. My say in things is equal to your say in things: we will have to work together. I love this. I am proud of this.

To those of us who have let themselves be lead by Jesus, what do you think? Are you prepared to write his name in for Mayor? for Governor? for Senator? for Congressman? for President? Why not? Do you compromise when you check a box? The next time you’re in the booth, write in Jesus of Nazareth.