World-renowned evangelist Billy Graham, 97, believes every Christian in America should exercise their right to vote this November even if they don't like either of the candidates of the Republican and Democratic parties.
"The Bible says we should do everything we possibly can to be good citizens and work for the betterment of our society, and one of the ways we can do this is by voting," Graham writes in his column on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website. "God tells us to 'seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you' (Jeremiah 29:7)."
The Baptist pastor understands that a lot of Christians are too disillusioned with politics nowadays to even cast a vote. However, Graham says if Christians do not vote, or Christians do not run for office, then America's decline is to be expected.
"In other words, staying away from the voting booth may only perpetuate the problems you see," he explains.
Before Christians think of who to vote for, Graham strongly encourages them to pray. After doing so, they will have a better grasp of the issues that America needs to address and which candidate will be the best one to solve it.
"Beyond that, however, pray for our nation and its leaders—not just the President, but all who've been entrusted with public office," he says. "It's the most important thing you can do."
Graham acknowledges that the world will never be perfect, and problem after problem will continue to hound it. "But in the meantime, God wants to use us to overcome sin and establish a more just world for His glory," he says.
Meanwhile, Graham's son Franklin is also echoing his father's statements. During his stop in Washington's Capitol as part of the Decision America Tour, he told the crowd to choose between Republican nominee Donald Trump or Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton even if Christians have to "hold their nose" while doing so.
"You're just going to have to ask yourself which of the two do you think we as Christians will at least have a voice with?" Graham said. "You have to make that choice. Now, you might have to hold your nose."
