Camerin,

The Lord showed me a similar illustration pertaining to my "RIGHT" as a woman in 2008, to be able to vote and be counted.

I was presented an apathetic message by several who said that my vote was a waste of time anyway because the Electoral College would have the final say-so in who wins this election.

As I walked away from that comment, the Lord spoke to me, "Remember, I have taught you before, do all you can and when you have done "ALL",........ STAND!"

I immediately knew that God was encouraging me, just one out of millions, just another grain of sand on the beach, to proudly take advantage of my "RIGHT" and Vote.

Last Saturday, I did as He spoke and early voted. I actually felt a surge or release of peace as I walked out of the polling station. I felt proud and grateful that God showed me, once again, Who it is that REALLY counts my VOTE!!

God Bless each one who reads this message----GO VOTE-----your vote does matter, especially to God!

Good for you, but I enjoy my right to not vote if I don't feel like it. I fully believe that voting in this election WILL be for the lesser of two evils. And it will continue to be this way until our political system changes and until we get rid of the electoral college system. And please, how is you voting in the U.S. election going to help 8-year-old sex slaves in Cambodia? Maybe it's a nice, symbolic gesture that helps you sleep better at night.

What a good reminder - it's just what I needed in my wearines of this election. My grandmother (who was born in the late 1880s) was so proud of the right to vote and never took it for granted. Thanks for the timely piece.

This election has served as a reminder of the great sacrifices made in our past, the privilege we have in our present and the responsibility we for the future. The baton has been passed and this generation will rise to the occasion to run our race. Every vote counts because every American counts.

To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men. - Abrahmam Lincoln

The ballot is mightier than the bullet - Abraham Lincoln

The fastest way to destroy a nation is for good men (women) to stand by and do nothing - Abraham Lincoln

Unfortunately the electoral college system is here to stay simply because that is how our forefathers set it up. It will never be voted out so voting for the lesser of two evils is better than not voting and assuring the greater evil wins!

How can we make changes if we don't vote? How many people are out there thinking their vote doesn't count and they are the ones that can bring around change, but are not voting? There are other canidates besides the two main party canidates. They may stand for your beliefs, or the change. They need to be encouraged. I also believe that these other canidates if they receive enough votes will send a message to the capital. Your vote counts. It depends on whether you use it or not.

As Christians, I think it's important that we remember that "no human being" has a monoply on "righteousness," for we all "fall short" whether we're Democrat or Republican. So what, if we have to choose the "better of two evils," our responsibility is to pray about it, CHOOSE, and trust God for the outcome. So "Disenfranchise" Go Vote!

If you read Isaiah Chapter 1 it sounds eerily like the climate of the US today. But it also speaks of a remanant, and that remanant can change a nation.

The success of a leader in the Word is defined by the phrase "did what was right in the eyes of the GOD". The righteous leader led the people to God and they in turn prospered.

I believe God is wanting to raise up a leader who will do what is right in the eyes of GOD, and this election may well present that opportunity.

Having the right to vote means also having the right NOT to vote. A vote for the lesser of two evils is still a vote for evil. I've also come to the conclusion that God is less concerned about who we vote for on Nov 4, than we how we behave/act/give the other 364 days of the year. Instead of voting this year (which, for us, is an absentee ballot which really isn't counted unless necessary), I'm taking part in a silent protest with the other suffrage: prayer.

I agree with you, that voting is a hard won right, and we should exercise it every chance we get.

I also think we should vote with our conscience. I don't think voting between two evils is voting with a conscience. If I am to vote, then my vote must be for something that leaves me unashamed. In this case, I will have to write in the name of someone when I vote for president. I would be ashamed to have my name connected with either of the two people who are left to us now as presidential nominees.

Will my vote "count"? Nope. Not in the election. But it will count with God, and after all, it is the eternal fruit that lasts.

People died so that we could vote....

Thank you, Camerin! I fully agree that women should not take their right to vote for granted. I am grateful for all the women (and men) who fought so hard and paid so dearly for my right.

My voting may not directly change the life of someone suffering overseas, but Camerin is reminding us that it's not something everyone around the world can do. Besides, the more women vote, the more influence we have, which we can use for the good for others.

Here is how your vote makes a difference too....If you have a candidate that you prefer, it only takes 1 vote for that candidate to get them iI. If you vote against that candidate, it takes 3 votes for them to get ahead for that 1 vote. Example, if you want to see "R" get into office. Somebody votes for "D" and you don't vote for "R", then somebody's vote counts right away for "D". If you cast your vote for "R", the somebody votes for "D", those 2 votes cancel each other out (total of 2 votes so far). Another person would have to vote for "D" for him to be ahead that 1 vote. Same thing for getting "R" in - "R" needs 3 votes for every 1 vote for "D" to stay ahead. YOUR VOTE COUNTS - every single one :)

I am a Nigerian but I think that every right which God has given to us we can freely use it, if it does not lead us to sin. The right to vote will help Christians to decide who rules them and also check the evils commited in society due to decisions that are passed as laws in our countries. May God help us understand that our right to decide who governs us is given by Him anyway.

Of course we have the choice to vote or not. But the presidential ticket is just one of many that we have to vote for in this election. What about the Senate and House, what about state and local elections? In my state we have two very important issues to vote on as Christians and as citiizens. Don't let our frustrations with the presidential race keep us from impacting other important issues. We can make a difference!

I truly believe that this election is an important one. I feel since i am an black women. I want my voice to count and i have been really make sure I tell all my sister friends that they have to vote and to pray to God for who they need to vote for. Vote for the truth! vote for someone not for the color of their skin BUT for the TRUTH and to choose LIFE.

I hope everyone woman and women of color vote in this most important election.

have a blessed day
Luticia

I truly believe that this election is an important one. I feel since i am an black women. I want my voice to count and i have been really make sure I tell all my sister friends that they have to vote and to pray to God for who they need to vote for. Vote for the truth! vote for someone not for the color of their skin BUT for the TRUTH and to choose LIFE.

I hope everyone woman and women of color vote in this most important election.

have a blessed day
Luticia

I try and be the example that God wants me to be in every thought, word and deed. As a disabled person, I feel it is so
important to exercise my right to vote.
I do it because not too long ago, my choices would have been limited. I do it for all the disabled people in the world who don't have choices still today. Those
in third world countries who have to beg on the street for a living. Those in the U.S.
who feel as disabled people their opinions
aren't important. I want to see the lives of the disabled improved, and that is why
I vote. Praise be to God that I can!

Thanks for sharing this Camerin. While I have struggled with a temptation not to vote simply because I wish our choices had presented better messages or were better candidates, I will vote because I too am grateful for the privilege that too few people in this world have.

I would also like to encourage anyone who believes there is no connection between voting as a woman in America and an 8 year old Cambodian girl to recognize that our ability to vote, and to influence our elected representatives with letters, calls, and the threat to vote them out of office can have tremendous influence around the world. We get to choose the candidate that we believe will have the most compassion for that little girl and the wisdom to use diplomatic means to help her and let that person know the issue is important to us. If enough of us speak out, it can make a difference.

We may feel that our voice doesn't matter, but giving up strengthens those who don't share our values. The simplest way to lose our influence over government is to stop participating.

I am sorry, but I can't help but wonder what planet you've been living on...the right to vote is one of our most precious rights...in the same catagory as the right for each of us to post to this commentary!

I recently received an email regarding the horrible treatment our foremothers received when they demonstrated for the vote...it's really an eye-opener. It must not have been covered well in our history books.

I am very surprised that a woman who is writing for a Christian web-site would be able to consider not voting when there are so many of our Christian-Judeo values at stake. How could we not vote against someone who is in favor of same-sex marriage and still call ourselves Christians? I am praying that many who have decided to stay home will hear these last cries that there REALLY is a choice in this election...the choice that our Christian Consciences would lead us to.

hi everyone,
i'm from the uk and i always vote because i know how much of a priviledge it is. but sadly over here many people don't vote either especially people of my ages group (still at college) thank you for giving the knowledge to those who didn't know and for reminding those of us who do. sometimes we need to appreciate he smaller things in life...

I vote because it's my responsibility as a Christian woman and a right hard-earned by women who came before. It's also one of the freedoms our soldiers fight for. By not voting, all who fought and/or lost their lives for our freedoms, both soldiers and suffragettes, fought for nothing.

I am eager to vote in this election because it only took a little over 500 votes to make a difference in 2000. Every vote counts. I've only missed a few elections, and I've never missed a presidential election.

I vote because I can. I don't want to ever lose that right and privilege. I vote because I must.

I wish I could vote, but I'm 13. Thanks for your thoughts, I never considered voting- or exercising your right to vote- as something that God would encourage, but I suppose you're correct. I got to a christian school where all the students are Republican and constantly call Obama "Osama" and such. I personally don't believe I can judge either candidate (or anyone else) because Jesus died for them just as much as he did for me.

I, too, want to encourage women every where to exercise this right, this privilege, this freedom. Most importantly, if you claim to be a follower of Jesus, I encourage you to vote for the candidate who will honor the most Christian and family values.

I urge you not to worry about the economy and your money. Yes, it is disheartening to see the Dow drop and drop some more. However, remember that the Lord our God "will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus." He will provide.

It is NOT up to the CANDIDATES to win an election. It IS up to the VOTERS to vote. The whole purpose of the election is for the voice of the people to be heard! I repeat - it is about the voters, not the candidates. Let your voice be heard, whatever it is you have to say! (Or surrender your rights and accept whatever others decide for you.)

Because some rail against the electoral college, I must speak for it. We are United States, not United Citizens. The electoral college is one of many ways that our Constitution reminds us that each state has a high degree of autonomy within this nation, and most of us have good reason to be glad about that. Each state accommodates within its government and civic practices the unique character of its locale. Every state need not be just like every other state, because each group of citizens has different viewpoints and concerns. We do participate in the federal government and cede some powers to it, but for the most part, our states, not the federal government, shape our lives.
In this election, that issue is deeply contrasted. One candidate upholds the concept of states united, while the other tends to look for ways to erase the differences due to our state autonomy. It is an interesting and very important contest. The electoral college is the right way to settle it within the design of our Constitution.

To Disenfranchised,
I clearly recognize the weariness you express in your posting. I voted in my youth and then quit for many years. I started voting again two presidential elections ago, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
One reason the world is in such bad shape is because we Christians have been silent and stayed out of the public arena. Here in California, we are battling to protect traditional marriage. The Christian church MUST wake up. There is too much at stake to just give up. Vote, Disenfranchised, pour our your heart before the Father, and ask what part He would have you play in all this. It is ok to share your pain and disgust with the world, before God. He knows it all, and somehow, having a rant before Papa and getting it off your chest, clears your emotions and gives you a clearer view. Every heart He loves and every heart He has a mighty plan for. Yes, your vote in the spiritual realm does lend support to mistreated women around the world. This is not a simplistic view, this is your part to play in the mighty battle going on right now in the spiritual realm.

My mother once said that our freedoms would ruin us. Surprisingly, that was in the 1920's. I wonder how many people believed it then. I didn't in the '50's when she told me. Now I do and I believe she was right.
From a pulpit in America, a man can preach hatred for the very country that guarantees his freedom of speech. A member of that church has the right to run for president of the country that gave him the freedom to choose his religion.
Those who vote for that person deserves what they get but the rest of us do not. When our freedoms are gone it's too late then.

Thank you for the reminder -- I guess for those who don't exercise their right to vote, you lose your right to complain. You can also prove a point by writing in a name. While that person will certainly not be elected, it does send the message that you are dissatisfied with the options. Not voting leaves the door wide open for the mess that whoever wins next week will have to clean up -- the economy, healthcare, war -- all in far worse condition than they were a mere 8 years ago.

While I may have my own thoughts and issues with respect to these candidates, whoever wins will be historic in that either it will be the first African-American president or the first female vice president-- that's got to stand for something!

P.S. For the 13-year-old who goes to a Christian school, over the past 4 months, I've devoted a lot of energy to studying the life of Christ, and nowhere in the Bible does it say that God is a Republican. Just remember that when you turn 18! Thanks for writing!

Thanks for this article.
Yes, it can be disheartening to look at the way things are in our country but do we really have a right to complain if we fail to speak up (or vote).
Does it mattter? Yes!
Whether our candidate of choice wins or not, we can have peace of mind that we took advantage of our right to try to make a difference.
Our very rights as a Christian could be at stake if we do not stand up for what is right in God's eyes. I agree the economy is a unstable right now but that is not an issue that is in God's top ten but the sanctify of life and traditional marriage are there! (Exodus 20)
(Matthew 6:33)
What difference does a leader make for a country? (Proverbs 29:2)

What I have been wondering about may seem simple to people who have been Christian longer than I have, but to me is not so simple. The Bible says God was upset when the Israelites wanted a king to rule over them instead of Him. So then would He be upset that we want a president instead of Him? This is a sincere question not an attempt to irritate anyone who feels passionately about voting. Thanks.

Dear Disenfranchised,
Have you read the wise comments of those who decided to post their names? Apathy is killing out nation! On the up side, if you don't vote, you will never be on the losing side. God uses his people to accomplish his goals. And even Israel had plenty of bad kings. Their main problem is that they wanted a king when the LORD was their God. One sweet day, that is the only system that we will enjoy, but until then, don't cop out. Join in the game.

I have to ask: Why does the author vote only in presidential elections? Is she not aware that the local authorities have an equal or greater influence on our lives as the people on Capitol Hill?

I don't think you negate the sacrifices that were made for our privilege to vote by choosing to not vote for evil. I voted in the primary because i felt there was a suitable candidate. I am held responsible as a Christian how I vote, but I also know that if God is not in either choices I will not be voting. If He has chosen one, that's who I'll vote for. It says in the bible that when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice but if not they mourn(paraphase) however iam not to sit in judgement of either of these men who claim to be Christians..one is more outwardly for an agenda closer to God but i cannot judge their hearts only God can do that..but God see my heart and knows whats in it and whether I am being true to Him..it is not a sin to not vote, but we don't want to be inactive if we can do something about it but I know He never goes against his word. therefore pray and see what God leads you to do....I am an african american woman.

The voting age in the U.S. was changed from 21 to 18 the year I turned 18. That had such an impact on me then, and I have only missed one election (a primary) since I turned 18. Right after we began the war in Iraq, they held an election, and the people risked their very lives just to submit one ballot!!! Voting is both a right and a priviledge. We should prayerfully consider how the Lord will lead us to vote, and then do it--VOTE!!!

I have always voted because I felt God wants us to vote. If we are to pray for our leaders why wouldn't we vote for them. I have read a lot of the posts and see many good points.

Yes, our choices are not great and I don't understand how a country the size of ours cannot do better. In fact, I have never really loved my choice, but there is always one that has better Christian values than the other. This year it is SO clear. Too many people are worried about the financial situation, but I agree with Susan. There are some things that are much more important than money.

How about the abortion issue? How about the character of the man who will be in charge of our nation - and our way of living - for the next 4 years!?

I also believe that God will someday bring into judgement, whether we fought for the right biblical causes and if we cared to show up at the voting booths. PLEASE remember that it isnt just the president we are voting for so all this electoral college debate only matters for that. We can also be voting for judges and city council persons who are much more of a local (and state's rights) influence. If you look at bigger issues like marriage conservation and abortion, its almost always up to individual states. I recommend voting absentee and being able to google candidates and research positions so you can make INFORMED choices. Its a new era, dont be the spoiled Americans we are so often being labeled. Pray and remember to take God's positions into account, not just personal selfish motivations!

God tells us in HIS word that the LOVE of money is the root of evil. Our vote should never be about our financial situation. This is a spiritual battle! God looks at the heart of man not his outward appearance. What is our Heavenly Father seeing in our hearts? Just as "we the people" are the church of CHRIST, "we the people" are this NATION! In my WOMEN OF FAITH Bible the title of 2 Chronicles is appropriate and relevant today, "A nation that honors God will be successful." God states in 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Please notice, GOD said MY PEOPLE, called by MY NAME! WE must turn from our wicked ways, THEN HE will HEAR US and FORGIVE US and HEAL OUR LAND! Who, now, says we should not vote? We need to assess our own lives, repent and lift others, especially our government leaders, up in prayer, seek God and ask for wisdom as HE will give it liberally to ALL who ask! Christians have been tolerant and silent too long!!! God has not only given us the voice but the responsiblity to honor HIM. HE will hear us, our vote counts and HE will make it count in Washington!!!

I am not an American, but I encourage every one of you to vote. Vote...vote... and vote for the candidate that honor the Christians values.

Susan, you have expressed my sentiments exactly.
When I vote for a President, then the main things I consider are the moral issues.
I believe those are the most important issues to God and they should be the most important issues to us, too. God will take care of us in the other issues that concern us. We need to put our faith in God and not man.

I hold a weekly teleclass about the model of "EVE" that we each identify with in different seasons of our lives. Women are in the majority of not only the US but, the world. When crisises come, it is the "woman" to whom solice and calm is sought after. The "silent majority" is really the female population in the US and in the world. Our influence in modeling the next generation who surround our tables is looking to us for leadership. What are you modeling this November 4th?

This election is important. With Supreme Court justices soon retiring, the next president will be choosing new justices. This is huge and highly effects our country's future. The Baby Born Alive Act is very important to me among other issues.
These candidates were not my original choice. I watched CSpan early in the campaign to hear the speeches, read the candidates writings, read the voting records and spent much time in prayer. I will always vote since so many fought to give me that right. And, so many in our world are denied that right. Every vote is important!

I wish that we as a country had looked a little more closely at the presidential candidate's character and morals and values. "Those who have been faithful in a little will be faithful in much." How is it that a candidate who has had multiple affairs - even marrying his current wife before his divorce was even final - can run for a public office? And then to claim that he stands for American ideals?! He doesn't stand for mine! A person's character is important!

I am a third grade teacher, and I see the excitement that even my students display when talking about the candidates. I have to be very impartial as I'm sharing about the candidates and election with them, and I have to say that I've lifted up both presidential candidates for different reasons.

It's such an honor to read the comments all of the previous women (and young ladies of 13) have written! Thanks to everyone for sharing!!

Praise God that we are blessed to live in a country where diveregent opionions are allowed. I agree that we all need to pray and vote for the people whom God has called us to vote for; for He's the only one who has to know our choice.

I've spoken with friends who don't feel comfortable expressing their thoughts on this election with family, coworkers or other friends because they fear that they will be ostricized for their thoughts and concerns. I'm thankful that they feel comfortable expressing their opinions to me. I will listen, share my thoughts with respect, and they know that even if we disagree, I will still love and respect them.

Again, I think that we, as Christians, must trust that God is ultimately sovereign, and He can use whomever is elected. Look at all the corrupt leaders in the Bible who were still used by God. Does this mean we should knowingly choose someone who does not show consistency against Crhist's values? I think not.

In my precinct, there are two women running for congress, and their ads have been nothing but a smear campaign. One has been claiming to have Christian values for years, but this year she's spreading malicious material about her opponent in such a distasteful fashion, that there's no way I can vote for her. Nor will I vote for her opponent.

However, I will still vote for the other issues, candidates and ammendments that I've been able to research and pray about.

For those who choose not to vote; yes, that's your right, and you may feel that God has led you to "protest" in this fashion. Who are the rest of us to judge? I will, however, do my best to honor God and those who have fought before me for my rights to have freedom and the right to vote, and I will pray that in some small way, it will make a difference.

How can anyone say "I'm voting for the lesser of two evils?" Every vote goes into one column or the other and the side that has the most votes gets to cast 'that side' in the electorial college vote. Every vote COUNTS. It is just one more step in our voting rights. The electorial college was established so no one candidate could buy votes, voter blocks, etc... It is still vital that every one votes-and every vote does count. If we stand on our Christian principles and pray- God will bless our efforts and in every prayer give thanks- He will answer those prayers. If all we can do is pray for the young women and children that are abused and sold as slaves-sexual or otherwise- He 'is' faithful to answer those prayers! Do not ever give up!!!

As an African American woman, I have to vote!
People have died so that I can have the privledge. When I step into that voting booth, I am walking in with every person in my family (heck in my race and gender) that has been denied what I take for granted. As this Presidential election will be history making no matter who wins, I will be there, in the election booth on Tuesday, doing what my ancestors were denied. That is what I KNOW what God wants me to do.

Hi,

I voted by absentee ballot this year, but I abstained from voting for the presidential candidates because I could not in good conscience vote for a man who approves abortion and same-sex marriage; neither could I in good conscience vote for a man who will keep us embroiled in a disastrous war that is responsible for just as many needless deaths as Roe v. Wade. No simple choices this time...and no condemnation for any of my sisters, voters or non-voters.

In Australia it's compulsory to vote - but thre are people who avoid making a decision by casting a 'donkey' vote. Not voting is still making a decision. It's saying you don't care what happens to your country, your state, your family. Every vote counts, and if you vote as you are led to in prayer, then it WILL count.

I never cease to be amazed by utterings from the mouths of the unlearned. I've never heard that ". . . an absentee ballot which really isn't counted unless necessary) . . ."
Absentee ballots are no different than any other ballot - they all count regardless if "necessary" or not.
Go vote - absentee, early, next Tuesday - whatever, but go participate!

As to money, a group of experts find that there is not too much difference between McCain and Obama's financial plans for our country. The great majority of middle class people--many of us Xtians--won't benefit noticeably from either candidate in terms of money.

This is another reason to vote with your conscience! Look at both candidates for a wide variety of issues such as health care, education, elder care, child care, and the like--not just at abortion, gay marriage.

Helping moms-to-be find altenatives to aborion is important, but but it shoudl not end there!

Go vote because it is something we should be good stewards of and will give an account to God. As far as changing the nation, we as christians need to stop repacing the gospel with politics.

Thanks Camerin for the reminder to vote as a woman. I am a Ghanaian. though we will be voting in December for our presidential elections i have been so passive about voting. Your blog has really blessed me. Testimonies of people abt the Holyspirit reminding them to vote is enough for me to know that God is counting on my vote. we need Godly leaders who will advance the cause of Jesus in our times. personally, i feel this years election in America will bring the once Godly nation but to God. Americans have rejected God for far too long, kicking him out of schools, promoting unGodly values in the world .etc. Israel rejected God at a point in time, He gave them someone who lead them into apostacy and medium consultations. but when they cried out to God he heard their cry. oh!what a merciful God we serve. with some few hours to go to the polls, Americans arise! pray for God's mercy and in his loving kindness he will look down on us again.REMEMBER THE BENCH MARK IS NOT HOW ELOQUENT ONE SPEAKS OR THE CROWD HE PULLS .IN THE END THE BENCHMARK WILL BE DID HE DO RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. AND WHERE DID HE LEAD THE COUNTRY TO. AMERICAN CHRISTIANS ARISE GOD IS COUNTING ON YOUR VOTE. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Ok, I just have to say to Molly, that the number of people killed in abortions is about 53 million to date, and the amount of volunteer soldiers who have sadly lost their lives in the Iraq war is about 6,000.
Not a small amount, but it is waaaay less than abortion, who by the way ,don't volunteer to be killed and certainly don't have the "right" to vote! Come on. And about " my vote doesn't count because the electoral college only gets to vote" um in case you didn't know, but who you vote for is the way the electoral college has to vote. They don't just get to vote the way they want to. Do you understand this? It is not a free-for-all. HOw you vote does make a difference and all the more this election, I believe this will be a very close race coming down to the wire with each and every vote counting, hopefully only once, ha.

As a Christian, in a society where our cultural values are far from their foundational roots and steadily declining - I feel an urgency not only to vote, but to pray and fast for this election. As I listen to conversations regarding the current issues and candidates, it seems that this time around, we are less concerned with morals/values and more focused on personal gains - as if only one party cares about the middle class - not true. In our culture today, the world is calling what is sin, convenience or choice and is asking us to tolerate. The classificiation of Christianity has been attached to so many types of groups and people that we can no longer simply assume that they even believe in Jesus Christ, let alone actually serve/follow Him, but we should know them by their fruit.

The current moral issues that have been protected by much prayer, great stances and much debate seem to be sitting with unimportance. Years ago, we were taught to line the candidates up with the word of God in order to make our decision. I don't think it has ever been clearer which candidate's values agree the most with strong values, but there seems to be a lot of confusion in this election. So, if you're a person who understands that values are essential to a strong country, to family and to our overall well-being and civility - Vote because you understand that personal life choices and life styles are one thing, but when we establish a country on loose values and continue to ignore God, we remove ourselves from a position of being blessed.

We love to say, "God bless America," but we either don't know what it means to be blessed or we don't want to do the work that brings it.

The Lord has asked us to humble ourselves and pray for our leaders and our country. He has blessed us because of our Christian foundation, but how long will He continue to send out the warning sings and not be heard.

i don't think you can judge a man for having affairs if he repented and asked God for forgiveness, if he hasn't..then I would be concerned. Also, you can't Judge a candidate if they even favor Abortion, you don't have to vote for them, but I can't judge them, the same way i am not to shun a homosexual, I am to love them without condoning or making apologies for their lifestyle because all have sinned and come short... it also says in the bible that hate in your heart toward your brother is the same as murder. So racism and hate is bad in the eyes of God..but it doesn't justify taking human life.and I wonder your conversion is real and why the holy spirit is not convicting you if you are indeed a Christian. I think race has been a divisive and distraction to what God is wanting to do..with both candidates. He wants to free African americans from the spirit of bondage and racism and free everybody from the spirit of lies and greed and covetousness..ie Wall street. as a black woman however, and Christian I know the holy spirit has only given me one choice..its only a hard decision when you are not being led by the Lord.

I want to know who determines the evil in either one of the candidates. It is not up to us to judge. I don't see two evil men, I see two good politicians. No matter if you vote or not someone is going to win and will set the stage on the next 4 years. No matter who will God is still in control and that is what we as Christian should believe. When you put your trust and life in God's hands he will take care of your every need.

I enjoy my right to vote and no matter who wins, I believe that God is my head.

It isn't just women's right to vote that was hard won. I remember the Vietnam era when a man could be drafted at age 18, but voting age was age 21. It has always disturbed me that young adults haven't traditionally voted in large numbers. I don't think many young adults probably even know how recently the right to vote at age 18 was enacted.

It is encouraging to read all the thoughtful comments. I especially appreciate the scriptural reminder that God is sovereign in working His will throughout history in all types of political climates. Read the story of Martin Luther, how spiritual and cultural change emerged from a secular church/state power struggle. The Roman empire set the stage for Christ's life on earth. "Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."

Molly you are grossly misinformed:

"neither could I in good conscience vote for a man who will keep us embroiled in a disastrous war that is responsible for just as many needless deaths as Roe v. Wade."

The war in Iraq has not been killing three to four THOUSAND totally innocent and helpless humans PER DAY for 35 YEARS!

You know, I honestly believe that the LAST thing that any conservative republican in Washington is going to want to do is make abortion illegal. Abortion has been the carrot the GOP has been dangling in front of the American Church's nose for years. Just look at the facts: Bush had six whole years of a republican congress, during which he could have made abortion illegal. But congress, and he, never did anything about it. If they actually made abortion illegal, they'd lose their bargaining chip for a huge voting block. As long as they can promise that they will make abortion illegal, they can still get your votes.

Now, don't get me wrong; abortion absolutely MUST stop. However, there is no legislation that will end it. Peoples' hearts need to change, and people need to be truthfully educated. Then, once people have changed their hearts and minds, abortion will end. Pray for it; it will come from our God, not from our government.

Hi Camerin...I read this a little late but I still want to say thanks for your words! I always get frustrated with people who choose not to vote (especially women - for the very reasons you outlined in your post). There's no excuse! It must have been neat to be in the Chicago area on that day.