The first time I walked into that little cubicle and closed the flimsy curtain, I felt like I had just been handed a pop quiz. The future of our nation might depend on how I voted, and I had not studied for the test! I think I chose candidates by how well I liked their names. Or maybe by alphabetical order. I felt terrible when I returned my ballot. Like I had failed a basic skill of adulthood.

I’ve learned some good news about the process since then. I’m not interested in chatting in this space about issues or candidates, but here are some practical tips for voting:

Before you Vote

• Love Your Neighbor. Don’t let politics or opinions separate you from friends or family members. And don’t be a jerk on social media. (See verse above.)

• Find a sample ballot. Search online for something like, “Sample ballot 2024, Papillion, NE.” Or check your local library for current newspapers. Keep your search as narrow as possible. If you ask for the whole county, it might include candidates and issues that won’t be on your real-life ballot. No need to make extra work for yourself.

• Look at websites for candidates, or online forums where you can learn about them. Newspapers often run candidate interviews, so check your library for that, too.

• Read amendments and propositions carefully. These are sometimes worded in a way that make you think you are voting against when you are actually voting for. Watch for double negatives and such.

• Be careful with social media. Everyone has an opinion which may or may not be backed with facts. Look for associations or groups you trust and find out who they are endorsing and what they are saying about issues.

• Ask people. For instance, if you aren’t familiar with any of the school board candidates, ask your child’s teacher for a recommendation. Ask your farming uncle what he thinks about a new agricultural bill.

• Pray. I know that seems obvious. But our pastor once told us that God might want a candidate in office for reasons that have nothing to do with their platform. Maybe He has a divine appointment planned. Or maybe He knows the person will take care of the poor. Only God knows the mysteries of His Kingdom, but He will gladly share the information we need.

When You Vote

• You aren’t cheating if you bring notes into the booth. You don’t even have to write them on your palm. Bring a reference sheet from home. Pull up a website on your phone. Text a friend. This isn’t a test you have to take from memory.

• Pray again.

• Wear the little sticker to remind other people to vote.

After You Vote

• Love your neighbor. Even the one with a different sign in their yard. Nothing is more important than loving people, and it is the only way we will really change the world.