As the midterm elections are approaching for the region, it is important to consider many of the different perspectives the candidates are bringing to light through their campaigns. We Believe We Vote is a recently-founded organization that claims a non-partisan, Biblically-founded evaluation of candidates running for political offices in the greater Spokane area. Some of the evaluation criteria include taking a stance against abortion, same-sex marriage, gender fluidity, and intoxication. They also praise a politician’s association with faith, strong border security, and a business’s right to deny services based upon their religious beliefs.

 Most of the claims made by We Believe We Vote is paired with a verse from scripture supposedly supporting the claim. Supporting political claims with scripture can easily become a challenging course to navigate. For example, they use Leviticus 20:13, “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads” to provide support for their claim against homosexuality.

 While the organization’s scripture references are extensive and impressive, they lack a contextual and social interpretation. A common alternate interpretation of the Leviticus verse refers to the sexual practices done in the secular context of the time. In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the sex that occurs between men is a non-consensual act of power. In this case, the Bible would surely be regarding dominating, non-consensual sex as the sin, not necessarily the homosexuality expressed in this situation.

 A question also arises regarding the view that We Believe We Vote is against abortion, yet is in support of the right to bear arms. If the argument against abortion is based on a pro-life standpoint, what is the argument for owning a gun? The argument for personal safety is valid, yet refuted by simply taking a pro-life stance. In the argument for personal safety being reason to own a weapon, taking someone’s life is glossed over. However, in the event of a pregnancy posing a serious, life-threatening risk to woman, there seems to be no excuse for the death of another being.

 When it comes to voting, it is imperative to make critical judgments about groups proclaiming a certain standpoint. Groups like We Believe We Vote come with a long list of evaluation criteria that present little support of their actual standpoint. Voting “biblically” cannot be reduced to a few evaluation criteria. It is important to be wary of groups that claim something so strongly, but whose argument can be deconstructed quickly.