Apparently, there’s a big election coming up…

Unless you’re living under a rock (or outside of America), it shouldn’t be news to you that election day is this coming Tuesday (11/5/24). If it is news to you, well… you’re welcome for the heads up. ;)

I admit it. I have strong feelings, politically. But I also admit that I don’t care one bit what any actor or sports star thinks about politics, so it’s likely you don’t care what a fiction writer like me has to say about politics. I get it, trust me.

I’ll spare you the sales pitch for my preferred candidate, but for me to ignore the upcoming election here entirely seems disingenuous. So while this post is political on a base level, it’s not going to be candidate-specific, so you can release that breath you were just holding… if you didn’t already click away. :)

(That said, if you care to ask about my views in a separate email, I’m happy to respond! You can always email me at Jessie@JessieMattis.com).

Today, I am simply encouraging you to vote.

Period.

Please vote.

Vote if you love a candidate, vote if you hate both candidates, vote if you think your vote doesn’t matter, vote whether you’re feeling it this year or not.

Why?

Because the ability to vote is a gift. It matters. Especially for my women readers or my readers of color. History wasn’t all that long ago, and brave, bold individuals had to risk all to speak up and fight for our right to vote. Exercising your right to vote is a way of saying “thank you” for this extravagant gift wrapped in personal sacrifice.

Whether or not you have faith in the current election process, still vote to remind yourself what a great country we live in, that our votes are requested. Vote in support of those who live in countries where their voices are not welcome in government; for those who would do anything for the opportunity to cast a vote for their future.

Chances are, you’re already hoping a certain candidate wins. By not voting, you’re making it clear that you are happy with either candidate, and these days, that’s hard to believe.

Many Christians want to steer clear of politics, but this is exactly the wrong thing for the good of Christ’s Kingdom. Living in America is an immense gift (just do some traveling abroad to see for yourself), which means Americans as a whole are better situated than most to be able to physically and financially support and serve others in need…in our own country and around the world.

If we don’t steward America well, we aren’t the only ones who will pay the price. We aren’t voting and trying to protect “the American way” for selfish gain, but to remain in a position to help others.

And so, this election day, as results are updated online by the minute and you see your candidate either pulling ahead or falling behind, still…vote. Don’t let polls and early tracking trick you into thinking your vote won’t matter and the race is over before it’s over.

Polls are often significantly inaccurate. Don’t let the numbers flashing up on your screen keep you home. Even if you’ve had a long day, a headache, or your candidate’s situation looks hopeless – vote if you possibly can. See the opportunity to vote as the gift it is.

A few final thoughts.

We have already seen how each candidate functions on the job. One was president for four years. One has been vice president for nearly four years (with the self-admission that she’s backed the President on every major issue).

Each are asking to be hired for the most powerful job in the country, and it is our task to evaluate them and decide which to hire. Look at their records, beliefs, and practical plans. Look deeper than news headlines. Examine multiple sources to be sure your information is accurate.

Each candidate will steer America down very different paths over the next four years. So it’s time to think critically.

Whose stances align more with biblical principles? Who supports issues that are near and dear to your heart? Who will enhance the future of your family? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your decision, and be willing to follow his lead.

No candidate is perfect. But let’s vote anyway and believe good things are coming, trusting God to be our ultimate leader, no matter the outcome.

As you’re casting your vote, thank the good Lord that you’ve been granted the privilege of doing so. And say a prayer for His will to be done.

His purposes will stand, and we can rest in this truth, even in a restless world.