Voting in Michigan and Biblical Teaching

We are in a time of voting in Michigan, with various political candidates urging us to vote for them. How does biblical teaching apply to us as we vote? Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). As is always the case, we need to consider who wrote it, to whom, why, and how the original audience would have understood it. In this case, Jesus addressed the “hit men” of the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Him with a question they thought would put Him at odds with the Law of Moses. Jesus says, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?” and then makes the statement about paying taxes. The Jews did not have the right to vote for Roman leaders.

Matthew 22:21 does not describe how we, as Christians, should respond to voting. All over Michigan right now, men and women who believe in God and the Bible as the Word of God are providing information about what is happening in our state. Before voting in Michigan, we need to learn how a candidate would handle the following issues:

1) The Michigan State Board of Education has decided to change the health curriculum guidelines for K-12 to include teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity beginning in grade 4. Classroom time for teaching reading and math is reduced to do this, and the teaching calls for the acceptance of all lifestyle choices as equal. Meanwhile, Michigan has fallen to #44 nationally in reading and math.

2) Some public schools have permitted children to change their gender in secret without parents’ knowledge or permission. Because of that, some schools allow boys who say they are changing their gender to participate in girls’ sports and use girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms.

3) In Michigan, abortion is legal for any reason and at any stage of a pregnancy. Regulations and reporting requirements have been removed from clinics, and the abortion pill now causes 70% of abortions without doctor supervision. Michigan has also stopped regulating the disposal of fetal remains.

How you vote is up to you, but when voting in Michigan or any other state, it is essential to know how a candidate would respond to these and other issues.

— John N. Clayton © 2026

Data from “Citizens for Traditional Values” 517-321-1390 ctvmichigan.org