This fall, the individuals who lead United States at the local, state and national levels will be determined by a nearly exclusive group of people - those who register to vote. Although there are a few exceptions to that rule in some states, for the vast majority of elections, registration is required.
The Assemblies of God is doing its part to assist members in voting in this fall's - and other elections - through its website, Vote.ag.org. The site includes information about voting as well as encouragement to register, vote one's values and pray for the election. The site also offers God's perspective on government, legal dos and don'ts as well as additional resources.
Keith Surface, Office of Public Relations special projects coordinator, oversees the voting site for the AG. "One of the really convenient features on the voting web page is the link to each state's official voter registration site, which includes all the key information about registering to vote in that particular state," he says. "In addition, the deadline to register in each state is listed next to the state's name."
Currently, Puerto Rico has the earliest voter registration deadline - September 17 - while Vermont allows registration through October 31. North Dakota does not require voter registration at this time.
AG General Superintendent George O. Wood encourages AG members to take seriously their "fought-and-died- for" freedom to vote. "I urge every Christian to carefully evaluate each candidate up for election to see which candidates' values line up best with biblical values," Wood says. "You may think your one vote doesn't matter, but almost every election cycle there are reports of how elections are won - or lost - by the narrowest of margins.
"Few people enjoy being governed by those they sharply disagree with on moral and ethical issues," Wood continues. "But by choosing to vote, a person is taking advantage of his or her opportunity to make a difference in the political landscape and let their voice be heard - instead of simply allowing, by default, those with differing values to control the laws that govern their country, state, community and even their family."
To view the AG voters website, click here.
