As a pastor and faith leader, I often talk about stewardship. We are called to be good stewards of our faith, our families, our God-given freedoms, and our civic duties. One of the most vital privileges we hold as citizens is the right to vote—to stand up for biblical principles, support righteous leadership, and protect the values that keep our communities strong.

For a long time, many of us believed that showing up on a single Tuesday was the only traditional way to make our voices heard. But over the years, I’ve come to see absentee voting not as a shortcut, but as a powerful tool for faithful stewardship. Here is why I encourage the members of my church and fellow believers to consider locking in their vote early through an absentee ballot:

• Informed, Prayerful Decision-Making: When you sit at your kitchen table with an absentee ballot, you aren't rushed by a line of people standing behind you. You have the time to lay out the ballot, open your Bible, pray, and research every candidate and ballot measure. 

• Protecting Your Family’s Priorities: Life happens. Unexpected work obligations, family emergencies, or illness can easily derail your plans on Election Day. Voting absentee ensures that no matter what life throws at you, your voice has already been counted. 

• Maximizing Our Collective Voice: As believers, we are called to be salt and light in our nation. When Christians vote early, it frees up resources and energy. It allows us to spend Election Day  volunteering and ensuring our friends and family have cast their ballots.