How to vote in 2024

Friday, 21st June 2024

During 2024 over half the population of the globe will be voting for their leaders. It’s an astonishing moment in our history, when power resides with the population.

What matters is not only which box we tick on voting day, but also the quality of the debate which leads to that decision. Which of our values come to bear as we make our choice? How do we discuss it respectfully and openly with our friends and family, avoiding a row around the kitchen table?
We’re also mindful that many of us enjoy a freedom in voting that is denied to others around the world. Many suffer under unjust rulers in governments of corruption and oppression where they don’t get a fair vote to bring any kind of lasting change.

Jesus wasn’t left-wing or right-wing – although many parties will claim his support. But he wasn’t a middle-of-the-roader either. He said that His kingdom was not of this world. So, what does that mean for how we engage with this process?

Voters in a Democracy

For one perspective, take a look at Tom Wright’s new book Jesus and the Powers, written with Michael Bird. I’m currently enjoying reading it. It’s a good theological reflection on the purpose of Christian political engagement, discussing how we can relate the biblical ideals of justice, mercy and truth to the reality of our global political situation.

Get the book: Jesus and the Powers by Tom Wright and Michael F. Bird

The UK General Election

For those of us in the UK, there are only two weeks until we will vote for our member of parliament.

CARE, an organisation seeking to strengthen the political discussion in the UK, have produced a special website to encourage engagement in the upcoming General Election. I particularly like their interactive quiz designed to help you consider what’s important to you and provide advice on how to vote in alignment with that.

Also, LICC are interviewing a variety of politicians on their podcast, The Whole Life. It’s well worth a listen as we consider the specific policies and ideologies of the different parties.

• Check out CARE’s website EngaGE24
• Listen to LICC’s The Whole Life podcast

Overseas

The kind of people we are has much to do with the kind of politics we will have.
– Michael Wear, The Center for Christianity in Public Life (CCPL)

I have found the approach of CCPL to be quite inspirational, particularly in the even-more-polarised political landscape of the USA. They are striving after healthier politics and believe that Christians have much to contribute toward this goal. Check out their website for helpful podcasts, books and videos.

In Sydney, The Centre for Public Christianity (CPX) including OCCA’s very own speaker and writer, Max Jeganathan, regularly produce quality content that speak into the cultural topics of the day. This includes the elections, Christian public engagement, Trump and the impact of Christianity on the world.

Max Jeganathan also recently recorded a masterclass with us on Strategy, Culture and Character. In it he unpacks how the world often emphasises the outward facing journey tending to ignore personal character. The Bible shifts our perspective to the inward journey from which everything else flows.

• Explore The Centre for Christianity in Public Life’s resources
• Discover CPX’s articles and podcasts
• Watch Max’s masterclass on Strategy, Culture or Character?

I hope you’ve found something useful here to help you engage as both a citizen of heaven and a citizen of this world.

My prayer for you is that you are equipped to engage meaningfully in the political decisions ahead, and can have robust, respectful and fruitful conversations in the weeks and months to come.