Jehovah’s witnesses and compulsory voting in Australia.

by Longlivetherenegades 11 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  FFGhost

  Here is the official JW position from the "Keep Yourselves in God's Love" book, page 213:

  What should a Christian do in lands where voting is compulsory or in a situation where feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth? Remembering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went as far as the plain of Dura, a Christian, under similar circumstances, may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits. However, he will take care not to violate his neutrality.

  The basic message (which they are too cowardly to put into print for fear of lawsuits / fines / taxation) is, "go to the voting booth, yes into the literal physical booth itself, but don't actually vote for anyone".

  I think I've heard anecdotes about JWs producing write-in votes for "Jehovah", "Jesus Christ", etc.
  
  
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  Vidiot

  shepherdless - "...compulsory voting means every politician has to try to appeal to a portion of the middle ground because under compulsory voting, a tactic of appealing to nut jobs and winding them up with fear/outrage etc, will never work."

  This...

  ...makes a lot of sense, actually, 'cause despite how loud and obnoxious they are, they're almost always a minority.

  Never gonna happen in the US, of course...

  ...wouldn't make for good reality TV.