Byzantine Calvinist on Voting as Christians

David T. Koyzis, the “Byzantine-Rite Calvinist,” surveys the different approaches that have been offered in advising Christians on how to vote.

He concludes with a call for a more realistic consideration of “strategic voting”:

Given the reality of the first-past-the-post electoral system, in which most votes are wasted, citizens find themselves voting against candidates rather than for them. Unfortunately, I fear this is often the best that can be done under the circumstances. Americans who cast their vote for Kerry will do so, not necessarily because they approve his stance on life issues, but because they believe Bush has badly botched their country’s foreign and defence policies. Those opting for Bush will do so, not because they are enthusiasts for his policies, but because they distrust Kerry to do a better job. Remarkably, few offering advice to Christians make mention of strategic voting. Perhaps we need some advice as to how this second-best approach to voting can be done responsibly.