"...He holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society." (D&C 134:1)

I am so proud of myself. I just voted by mail and it feels so good. I honestly don't really like politics. I laugh because I do have very strong opinions, but I don't like discussing politics. I get very frustrated with...people. But, I would not give up my right to vote or my freedom, both of which come from the eternal principle of agency. Agency is: "The ability and privilege God gives people to choose and to act for themselves" (Guide to the Scriptures).

As I have thought about the privilege of voting I have learned a couple of things. In the 134th section of the Doctrine and Covenants there is a declaration of what we believe about governments and laws in general. Verses 1 and 2 read:

 "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that He holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. 

We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life" (D&C 134:1-2). 

When we vote we are using our agency "for the benefit of man". If we choose not to vote and we complain about what goes on, we have no excuse and no right to do so. We made our choice when we did nothing. We let others choose for us when we don't vote. We will be held accountable for this choice like it or not.

I said I don't like discussing politics because of people. Well, I am just going to let Elder Quentin L. Cook speak for me on this point, which applies to more than just politics. He said:

"We need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. We live in a world where there is much turmoil. Many people are both angry and afraid. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies (see Matthew 5:44). This is especially true when we disagree. The moral basis of civility is the Golden Rule. It is taught in most religions and particularly by the Savior. "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31). Our faith requires that we treat our neighbors with respect" 

(Restoring Morality and Religious Freedom).

I may not like arguing politics...but I sure have strong opinions about what I think is right and good, and it's okay if we agree to disagree. I definitely I love my freedoms; with that comes the love of freedom of speech, the love of my right to bear arms, my right to life, my right to the pursuit of happiness. I choose to vote because I want to voice what I believe is right, and I hope you choose to voice your opinion as well by using your God given gift of agency and vote in this years election. (You may then complain if you feel so inclined...but I can testify that complaining doesn't really help the situation change much, it might make you feel better to vent momentarily, but it usually doesn't bring about change.) Notice, I don't tell you how to vote, just VOTE!

P.S. Here are a couple of excellent talks about the Constitution; Challenges for Our Day; and a whole series on Religious Freedom.