BALLOT HARVESTING
HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS THINK ABOUT TO BALLOT HARVESTING?
Key Facts
Watch a short video that answers ‘What is Ballot Harvesting?’ [1]
Ballot harvesting is a practice in which volunteers collect absentee ballots and turn them in to the election office.
Ballot Harvesting has raised major concerns by California Republicans in recent years as many believe it is the goal of the Democratic majority in the state of California to take advantage of ballot harvesting in order to commit election fraud.
Key Scriptures
James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
1 John 3:18 “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”
Matthew 22:37 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”
Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
2 Corinthians 8:21 “for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. “
Want to Know More?
Representative Ken Calvert has addressed many of the GOP’s concerns on his website https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-exposes-serious-ballot-harvesting-liabilities
How Ballot Harvesting Could Affect Seniors
Application
As a result of the upcoming presidential election, ballot harvesting has resurfaced as a topic of discussion. Ballot harvesting is a practice in which volunteers collect absentee ballots and turn them in to the election office. The laws concerning ballot collection by mail and for absentee voters vary by state. In states that have adopted or seek to adopt more progressive forms of ballot collection, some have raised concerns about the security of the election.
Proponents say that allowing ballot harvesting allows many to vote who otherwise may not have. This progressive style for absentee ballots gives more freedom to those seeking to vote in the election, but do not plan on physically attending the voting booth.
However, ballot harvesting can result in security problems for elections. Manipulation of these votes can occur as few security measures are able to ensure the absentee voter’s ballot was not manipulated by the person submitting it. In addition to ballot manipulation, forged ballots are also of great concern as they can be submitted in large quantities and draw minor suspicion.
How Should Christians Respond?
First, Before Christians become outspoken in response to ballot harvesting, they must do their own research. The Bible leaves no excuse for being lackadaisical in study. Christians are called to do all work as for the Lord and love God with all your mind (Col. 3:23; Luke 10:27). In order to do that effectively, Christians ought to educate themselves about ballot harvesting before speaking out about this topic.
The next step Christians should take in response to this issue is to seek truth. Justice is a crucial part of any government and should be encouraged. However, justice cannot be properly applied without truth. 1 John 3:18 highlights the importance of truth in relation to loving those around us, stating that we should love “in deed and truth.” Truth must be pursued in this debate as we seek to understand the accusations of Republicans as well as the refutations of Democrats. Christians should not only favor evidence which supports one’s presupposed conclusions. This claim of voter fraud from Republicans is concerning and should be investigated while seeking to remain objective.
It is important, amidst the confusion and controversy, to affirm common ground for all Christians. Christians are seeking justice and fairness (Proverbs 28:5). This should lead to greater unity within the church. It is part of seeking justice that we attempt to develop a more secure relationship between voters and the government in order to ensure a fair voting experience for all. As Christians work together to address ballot harvesting, it is helpful to recognize that, even when Christians differ in approach to ballot harvesting, the goal should be unified in seeking justice.
Only after doing one’s own research and examining one’s own hearts should Christians form a judgment on ballot harvesting. Each of these steps will help Christians to create a more holistic response to the concerns as well as the benefits of allowing absentee ballots to be turned in by organized volunteers.
Conclusion
There is no clear direction from Scripture in support or opposition of ballot harvesting. Christians must use discernment and apply biblical principles to respond correctly while respecting that some Christians may come to different conclusions. As we each draw conclusions concerning ballot harvesting, we should follow the biblical command to be quick to listen and slow to speak. It is important to remember that “all truth is God’s truth” and that, as Christians, we seek truth together. As we pursue research and others investigate claims of fraud, Christians should follow the evidence where it leads while advocating for justice in our voting process.