When my son turned eighteen, he reached two civic responsibilities in the United States. First, he registered with the Selective Service. The US military presently consists of volunteer soldiers. However, the Selective Service may draft young men like my son for military service in the event of a national crisis. I am grateful for the men and women who serve in our military and protect our country.
In addition to the Selective Service, my son registered to vote. The Secretary of State’s office handles voter registration, and they keep a list of eligible voters. Voter registration allows citizens to participate in local, state, and national elections. After my son registered to vote, the Secretary of State’s office sent his first precinct card with his voting districts, local precinct, and assigned polling location for Election Day.
Before my son moved out of town for college, we had multiple conversations about his new civic responsibilities. First, I told him that military service is both honorable and necessary. My son remains a civilian now, but it would be an honor for him to serve as a soldier. Second, we talked about the privilege and responsibility of voting. He educated himself about politicians, parties, and policies for this year’s election.
Last week I took my son to a polling place for early voting, and he cast his ballot. He knew about early voting on Sunday afternoon, and he asked if we could go vote. On the short drive to the polling location, I reminded my son that we live in a fallen world with faulty politics and sinful politicians. But I also said we have been given a civic responsibility to choose our leaders.
This upcoming Tuesday, November 3rd, is an Election Day. What an incredible privilege we have to vote. While the news media and advertisements focus on national politics and politicians, local school board members, county commissioners, judicial candidates, various state secretaries, state and national representatives, the governor, and state constitutional amendments are all on this year’s ballot.
Please make it a priority to educate yourself about the current election and exercise your civic responsibility to vote.
In Christ,
Pastor Nathan