That is an easy question to answer. We do not know how Jesus would vote, so it is best not to guess. Such guesses invariably remake Jesus after our own image.
It used to be that Australian Protestants routinely voted for one of the major parties and Roman Catholics for another. That is no longer the case. I have thoughtful Christan friends who have voted widely across the various options.
Voting in Australia is complex. We must vote, and we must indicate an order of preference for every candidate in the lower house. Then there is the Senate ballot paper which has more choices than the screen in a fast-food outlet. On top of all that there is an ever-enlarging group of minor parties and independents.
Before going on, it is worth pausing to be thankful for the privilege of voting. Most people globally and historically have no meaningful say in who governs them. As an indigenous Jew in a land under foreign occupation, Jesus had no vote even though he is king of kings and lord of lords (Rev 17:14) and sits on the throne beside which all others are footstools (Dan 7:13-14; Rev 5:13).
How should a Christian vote?
For starters, let’s agree that our vote is a Christian issue. Christians are called to love the Lord with all we are and to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matt 22:37-40). Seen this way, our vote is an extension of the gospel and an act of worship, love and discipleship.
So far, so good? But for whom should Christian people vote? That is a personal choice, and it is certainly not for the church to try and direct anyone’s vote.
That being said, a Christian vote should not be driven by love of self. Forget the promise of an extra weekly cup of coffee in 18 months’ time or more loose change after a visit to the bowser for the next 12 months. Let’s vote from love of God and neighbour.
Here are some questions that may help us form a vote that expresses love of God and neighbour:
- What are the policies and promises of the various candidates and parties?
- How well do these policies and promises align with the Lord’s qualities of holiness, compassion, justice, truthfulness, faithfulness, mercy and such like?
- How can we vote in a way that blesses the poorest and most marginalised of our fellow Australians?
- What vote will help preserve personal freedoms, including freedom to worship and to propagate and practice the gospel?
- What vote will help Australia express responsible use and care for God’s good creation (Gen 2:15)?
- What is the track record of local candidates when it comes to integrity of character as seen in their personal and public life?
I am sure we can all add to these questions. Please do!
A final thought. God is sovereign and nothing happens outside of his big and good purposes (Eph 1:11). However we vote, and whether our choice is elected or not, God is still good, still Lord and still uniting all things in Christ (Eph 1:10).
Let’s vote as followers of Jesus .. and then enjoy the democracy sausage.
David Burke,
Moderator-general,
April 2025.