Only slightly more than half of religious Christian and Jewish voters are telling pollsters they plan on showing up to vote next month, a factor that could prove decisive in November.
Just 51% of religious voters are expected to head to the polls in November, with 104 million voters of faith abstaining, according to a study from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. These include some of former President Donald Trump’s most solid voter constituencies: 41 million born-again Christians, 14 million evangelicals, and 32 million regular church attendees.
“I see two huge takeaways from this blockbuster report,” Arizona Christian University President Len Munsil said. “First, Christians could be the deciding factor in a bunch of federal and state races and are choosing not to be. And second, they are longing for their local church to instruct them on how to think biblically about policy and politics. They don’t want to be told how to vote, but they do want to know why they should vote and how to view political affairs from a biblical framework.”
“The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 29:2 that ‘when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan,’” he continued. “But without pastors willing to speak about the Bible’s perspective on policy concerns, and without them encouraging Christians to vote, it’s hard to see how we can have the kind of godly government that would enable our people to rejoice.”
The reasons for Christians’ lack of enthusiasm about the election vary widely. Of those surveyed, 68% cited a lack of interest in politics and elections, 57% disliked all major candidates, 55% felt that none of the candidates reflected their most important views, 52% believed their vote won’t make a difference, and 48% said they believe the results will be manipulated.
“A lack of confidence in the process, frustration with the choices, and a general apathy toward the political sphere have left millions of believers on the sidelines,” said Dr. George Barna, the study author.
The study also reflects the increasingly nonpolitical nature of churches, many of which abstain from hot-topic issues for fear of losing parishioners. Many respondents said they may reconsider abstaining if their pastors tell them otherwise.
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“Pastors wield tremendous influence in motivating their congregations. Even the simplest action — encouraging their members to vote — could mobilize five million more voters,” Barna said.
Trump and Harris are neck and neck in polling, including in key swing states. Religious voters largely tend to favor Trump.
