Muslim Candidate Does Not Deter Voters
By Christine Wilson, 09.20.06

Legislator Keith Ellison may be the first Muslim to hold a seat in U.S. Congress. Despite controversy, many say that religion is not their main issue when voting.

“If a Muslim was pro-life and running against a candidate that was not pro-life, I would feel comfortable voting for someone who believed in the sanctity of life,” said defense contractor and Christian James Ells, of Va. “I wouldn’t have a problem voting for him.”

Ells believes voters should use their belief system as a measuring stick to see if a candidate holds similar values. He chooses candidates based on their platform instead of their doctrine.

“I don’t think you could rule out voting for a person of a different faith just because they are of a different faith. Although, a lot of times if they are a different faith, they are not going to agree with you on the things you think are important,” Ells said.

University of Minnesota graduate student and Muslim Kristen Wheeler also said a candidate’s stance on policy is most important.

“Religion is not one of my top things that I look at when voting for a candidate for a public office. Wheeler said. I am much more concerned about a person’s stance in a certain area of policy. If their choice of religion would have an effect on those areas of policy, then it would become a factor.

If religious concerns are important, voters are encouraged to elect candidates that support the same issues.

“It’s incumbent upon the people who vote to find out what their candidate believes,” said Virginia Delegate Glenn Oder. “Once they find out what their candidate believes, they will vote for the person who they agree with the most.”

Ells suggests Christians participate in government activity so the world can see a godly perspective.

“What we as Christians have to be sensitive to is that we let our voice be heard so that our world view is represented by those that are supposed to represent us,” Ells said.

He also gives some examples of ways Christians can get involved.

“Voting in elections, spot helping and funding campaigns are really important, or else our voice will never be heard,” Ells said.

Wheeler adds that people should be knowledgeable.

“As soon as you take the time to become a little knowledgeable, you are going to find a place that fits for you. Whether it is in your religious community, in your local community, in your school board, in your city, in your county in your state, you’re going to find a place where you want your voice to be heard.”