by Jennifer Lynn

Created on: August 15, 2010

It is impossible to separate a person's real faith from their voting preferences.  Asking someone to do this is, in effect, asking them to separate their heart, soul, and mind from the physical body that is making the check in the box or filling the bubble on the ballot.  To vote without applying the principles of ones faith would be deny that faith completely. 

A true follower of any religious belief system allows their beliefs to permeate every area of their life.  There are certain principles of those belief systems that most would have no problem with (loving those around them, living unselfishly, etc.), and there are others that many don't agree with. Both sets of beliefs apply to the believer in the same way, regardless of how others feel about them.  The whole idea behind the voting process is that everyone be given the chance to voice their opinions, whatever those opinions may be.  If we were to begin restricting what is and isn't allowed to influence the opinions of voters, we would be traveling down a very dangerous path.  The American way is one of freedom.  Freedom to vote, live, believe, and speak freely.

The idea that one person's ideas and beliefs should not be imposed on the many is not a valid argument where the voting process is concerned.  The voting process requires that one person's opinion be counted with the many to determine the majority opinion.  One person's ideas and beliefs can only be imposed on the many in a system such as a dictatorship.  The voting process would be rendered useless if it were restricted to opinions outside of those influenced by faith.  It would no longer be the vote of the majority, but only the vote of those who do not believe in a higher power. 

Aside from the fact that restricting votes to certain influences is un-American, it is also impossible.  There is no way to know whose vote would be influenced by faith, or any other "outside source".  Every person is influenced by something, whether that something be faith, family, friends, or just life experience, the influence is there.  There is no way to separate ones vote from the rest of their life.

In short, the voting process is meant to be free from restriction, open to personal influence, a collection of many, and a true American staple.  To take the freedom from the process would change the face of America forever.

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