There is much at stake in the November elections here in Virginia. Will you exercise your duty and vote?

The institution of government was ordained by God (Romans 13:1-4). It is our duty, as citizens and as Christians, to participate in the process. According to the late U.S. Senate Chaplain Richard Halverson, people of faith are more to blame for the nation’s woes than are politicians.  Believers who are apathetic “abdicate their responsibility,” he said. He noted that lawmakers have authority to act only “with the consent of the governed. People of faith must understand the issues, vote intelligently, and advise elected representatives.”

Exercising our right to vote in elections is the most fundamental way to participate. Yet, surveys have shown that as few as one-half of church members who are eligible to vote are registered to vote, and not everyone who is registered actually votes.

Voter registration deadline in Virginia is October 12.