There’s plenty to argue about in this election. And there’s part of me that loves arguing and a part of me that hates it. What isn’t up for debate is that there will be true, born-again believers who will vote in numerous different ways in this 2020 election (and Christians who will want to deny heavenly citizenship to those who vote differently than them.)
Don’t put too much stock in the order I put these in. At first, I tried putting them in the order I thought the most percentage of Christians would be voting. But that’s actually really hard to figure out. It’s hard to find numbers on how many Christians of the proper age didn’t vote at all, racial breakdowns with religious affiliations, and then gauging the excitement level to vote for your eventual candidate. So, I gave up. (But I’d love for you to put in the comments what you think the eventual order will be for this 2020 election – E, A, B, D, F, C, G, I, H)
What I hope to accomplish with this post is to give a fair representation of the main narrative Christians are using to cast their vote the way they will for 2020. We all gravitate to an over-arching story that connects what we believe with how we vote (or don’t vote.) I’ve been doing WAY TOO MUCH social media stalking these last few weeks (months), just observing my friends and follows political thoughts. I think I’ll do a fair job representing each of these positions, but feel free to share if I’m way off somewhere. Maybe, just maybe, you can have some compassion for people who will vote differently than you because you agree with some of what they are saying, even if you prioritized that belief differently.
Remember, only one of these positions is my actual thoughts, the rest is just my interpretation of what these groups believe. And into the fray we go…
A) The Enthusiastic Trump Voting Christian
Main Narrative – America is the greatest country in the history of the world. I feel incredibly blessed to be born here, but I’m worried about the future of this nation. We needed a non-politician willing to stand-up for this country and speak for the little guy that was strong enough to take on the media, academia, Hollywood, and the like. Trump was and is that guy. He sticks his foot in his mouth every once in a while, but he speaks his mind. But the lies against him and the opposition he’s had to face is more than any other President in history. He faces it all to serve this country as our best defense against socialism, terrorism, cronyism, illegal immigration, religious oppression, the destruction of our families, and more. God bless America. God bless Trump.
B) The Reluctant Trump (or anti-Biden) Voting Christian
Main Narrative – Man, I wish Trump didn’t tweet (or talk) so much. I don’t think he’s governed too poorly. I like that he’s been anti-war, making historic peace deals (especially with Israel), his strong pro-life stance, and his Supreme Court appointments. I wish he’d handle asylum seekers, protesters, the coronavirus pandemic and almost every other complex issue more delicately. He’s a hammer and he’s great when there’s nail to hit. (Why won’t someone change his Twitter password again?) I’ve thought and prayed strongly about not voting for him. His rhetoric and demeanor is just terrible at times, and there are some truly horrific people and groups that support him; but at the end of the day I think he’d be better for this country than the alternative. Biden is just a classic, corrupt politician who is just molded and shaped by the political winds of the day. Even in his more moderate positions, I don’t trust him to stand firm against the extreme left-wing of his party (or even to stay alive for the next 4 years.)
C) The Enthusiastic Biden Voting Christian
Main Narrative – Please, let’s just return to normalcy! Biden is a good family man, a rational human, he’s reached across the aisle numerous times, and just knows how DC is supposed to work. Finally, the politicians can go back to work trying to help the American people. Biden might not be a perfect candidate, but he will surround himself with competent people and listen to advice. He will move us progressively towards better outcomes of social justice, prison reform, fair immigration policies, deal with environmental concerns, and most importantly actually trying to fix our broken health care system during a pandemic! These are all things Christians should care about.
D) The Reluctant Biden (or anti-Trump) Voting Christian
Main Narrative – Trump is just the worst. I almost don’t care who the Democrats put out there, I’m going to vote for the person opposing Trump. I know, I know there are rape allegations – Trump is worse. I know, I know there are corruption allegations – Trump is worse. I know, I know Biden has been part of some bad legislation – TRUMP IS WORSE! I would naturally want to vote 3rd Party, but this election is just too important to throw my vote away. Trump is a unique evil and I don’t understand how any Christian can support him. I think the church is going to be hurt for years to come because of how Christians supported this immoral man. I used to vote Republican, but when I think about my beliefs and what political party espouses them, it’s honestly pretty split. I wish the Democrats were pro-life like I am but honestly the President doesn’t have much to do with this issue and the Republicans haven’t seemed to really do much about it lately either. I’ll vote for Biden this time, because there’s just no way we can survive 4 more years of Trump.
E) The Non-voting Christian
Main Narrative – “If I’m to choose between one evil and another, I’d rather not choose at all.” I think both candidates are terrible, and I’m not going to be forced to choose. Honestly, nothing seems to change whoever is in power. They all lie. They all cheat. They’re all out for themselves. I don’t want any part of it, and I have a clear conscience knowing I had no role in putting another godless person into office. Besides, I get less grief from people by not voting. My Christian conservative friends from church would freak-out if they found out I voted for Biden, and my more liberal Christian friends from college would freak-out if they found out I voted for Trump. So, I just don’t vote, and I keep the peace. Have fun waiting in those lines everyone.
F) The Conservative Third-Party Candidate Voting Christian
Main Narrative – I’m going to vote for someone I actually agree with. If we always just keep voting for the 2 options from the 2 parties then nothing is ever going to change. I’m not voting for Trump because there are just too many policies I don’t agree with. I’m tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. I want to vote for someone I want to vote for – someone I at least think will represent me. I’m not disillusioned enough to say things like “if all the non-voters voted a 3rd Party candidate could win every year.” I’m just saying, if we don’t start telling the politicians in Washington what we want by voting our values, then they’ll never be forced to change. I’m tired of being silenced by voting for people I don’t agree with. No more!
G) The Liberal Third-Party Candidate Voting Christian
Main Narrative – I’m going to vote for someone I actually agree with. If we always just keep voting for the 2 options from the 2 parties then nothing is ever going to change. I’m not voting for Biden because there are just too many policies I don’t agree with. I’m tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. I want to vote for someone I want to vote for – someone I at least think will represent me. I’m not disillusioned enough to say things like “if all the non-voters voted a 3rd Party candidate could win every year.” I’m just saying, if we don’t start telling the politicians in Washington what we want by voting our values, then they’ll never be forced to change. I’m tired of being silenced by voting for people I don’t agree with. No more!
H) The “Jesus” Write-in Christian
Main Narrative – There’s only one king – King Jesus. Jesus said, “my kingdom is not of this world.” I care about growing God’s Kingdom only. I’ll vote for the other candidates and the amendments down the ballot but that’s it. I’m just going to tell everyone that no matter what happens, Jesus is still king. I’m not sure who God wants to win this election but I’m going to let Him decide. God is in control. #jesusjuke
I) The Forgot When Voting Day Was Christian
Main Narrative – I don’t have a smart phone so I haven’t been getting the 15 text messages a day reminding me to vote. I don’t know how to work the computer so I haven’t had my Facebook friends take selfies with their “I voted” sticker. I only watch TV for the Superbowl, Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Blue Bloods so I haven’t been watching any TV lately to see every third commercial be a hit job on one of the candidates. I read the Bible every day, and occasionally a missionary biography if I’m looking for a little fun. I actually have no idea when election day is. Is that nice black fellow still the President? (Serious question, do the Amish know when voting day is? And do they actually vote? And if they do, who would they vote for?)
Here’s my hope. Don’t let politics divide you. I think most born-again believers have really good motives behind the way they vote. Whether life for the unborn, refuge for the foreigner, well-being of the sick, shelter for the orphan, alms for the poor, and a better nation to leave to our children and grand-children. We all prioritize those goals differently since there will NEVER be a candidate that fulfills each of our priorities. So have compassion for your brother and sisters in Christ. Let your love cover a multitude of their political sins.
Joe Allotta 
This is a good summary. I was a polysci major for my undergrad, and I recently graduated law school (though haven’t passed the BAR yet). You’ve hit the nail on the head for these.
How about, the I choose to not vote for either Presidential candidate, but will with knowledgable effort vote for all other Government positions and issues Christian
That’s me 🦋🦋🦋