PERspective on Election day

What Our Vote Can Do
by Jose Maldonado
“But the people refused to listen. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us. We want to be like others. We want a king to lead us and fight our battles.’” Samuel, Judge and Prophet.
Election season comes around, and getting wrapped up in it is easy. We’re bombarded with campaign promises, hopeful speeches, and political ads that all make it seem like the right leader will solve everything. What are we Christians to do? I know I’ve felt that way—like if we just get the right and godly person in office, they’ll bring us the security, good economy, and peace we’re all looking for. It feels like voting is our chance to fix the world, or at least our corner of it, by picking the best candidate.
“If I can just vote for the godly person who will fix our messed up culture.” But, as I was praying recently, I had a realization that’s hard to admit. I’ve been placing more hope in politicians and the voting process than I should. Don’t get me wrong—I love the privilege of voting and the freedom we have in this country. I love that I can voice my opinions, participate in democracy, and make my choice without fear. But somewhere along the way, I let the importance of voting overshadow what is most important. Voting had almost become an idol in my life, something I looked to for answers that only God can truly provide.
Thinking about this reminded me of the story of Israel in the older Testament. They went through something similar when they asked for a king. It is as if they were reenacting our presidential election before it even happen. Can we even wrap our heads about the fact that they had God Himself as their leader, but they wanted something different, something that looked more like what other nations had. They told the prophet Samuel, “Give us a king to lead us.” Samuel warned them that a king would take their sons and daughters, demand taxes, and make their lives harder, but they wouldn’t listen. They thought a human king would fix their problems, bring them security, and make life better. Sound familiar?
Just like Israel, I sometimes think that the “right” leader will solve everything. But here’s the hard truth: no politician, no matter how great they seem, can truly give us what we’re looking for. Politicians come and go. Policies change. But God’s love, His guidance, and His commandments are constant. They don’t shift with each election cycle or depend on who’s in office.
I’ve been shaken and humbled by this realization. As much as I admire certain leaders from the past, like Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela, no one compares to Jesus the Christ. Jesus is the real King, the only one who can truly lead us, protect us, and bring us peace before, during, and after this election. He’s the King who doesn’t just make campaign promises—He fulfills every word He speaks. His reign isn’t for a term; it’s eternal.
So as election seasons come and go, I’m learning to keep my focus on the right leader, Jesus Christ. Yes, voting is important, and being an engaged citizen is valuable. As citizens, we have a responsibility to our nation and must fulfill it. But my ultimate hope can’t rest in who wins an election. It has to rest in the King of Kings, the one who truly holds our future.
May we all remember to look beyond the temporary promises of politics and place our trust in the One who reigns forever. He’s the leader who won’t let us down, the King who is always faithful, and the only one who can truly meet our deepest needs.
Let's make election season a prayer season. We ought to finish this election season not exhausted because of all the propaganda but exhausted because of all of our praying. Pray for evil to be defeated and godliness to be exalted. Can we commit to cover this and all elections in intentional fervent prayer?