For over a decade, I had voted by mail but this year, because of my recent move, I did not receive the mail-in ballots so I knew I would have to vote in person. Thus, I was flabbergasted when I recently voted in person for this current 2024 general election. 

Perusing the various voting sites, I found a familiar venue and drove there. I approached the initial greeting desk workers and presented my driver’s license. To my surprise, they smiled and shook their heads. “Oh, we don’t need that! Just go inside and speak to one of the workers at that table.” Heading inside, I was greeted by ten volunteers who were eager to assist me. I again presented my driver’s license and the response was the same. “That won’t be necessary. Please give us your address.” I obliged. “Last name?” I answered. “Year of birth?” Completing this brief set of questions, the poll worker then turned the computerized screen to me and asked me, “Is this you? If so, please sign it and agree.” Once I did, I was directed to a voting booth where I completed the process, grateful to perform my civic duty. However, I was completely distracted by this seemingly porous verification process. 

California is one of the states that does not require voter identification. Regardless of what side of the political spectrum, one should have a healthy degree of skepticism over this vetting process. It takes far more identification to fly an airplane or even to purchase liquor in the same state. Shouldn’t voting be held to at least the same level of standard? When I mentioned this to the poll workers, they smiled and nodded without saying anything, probably because they were not allowed to voice their opinions. I am not an election denier or conspiracy theorist, but this process did not assuage my fears that voter fraud may easily occur in states that do not require voter identification. 

Voting is a right and privilege for all American citizens. We should protect it and ensure its integrity. Voter identification is just one step in this process. It is not discriminatory anymore than requesting identification at an airline, bank, or any number of transactions we daily partake in. What about our relationship with God? A well-known aphorism asks Christians that if they were placed on trial, would there be enough evidence to convict them of being a Christian? A sobering thought. There is no spiritual identification card to verify one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Only God knows the true nature of our relationship with Him. The only external proof we have is how we live our lives. How do we do this?

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:21 (NLT)

If our lives have truly been transformed by Jesus Christ, our identification is our lifestyle. The transformation must first be internal, by confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The moment we do this, the Holy Spirit indwells within us, transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ. How will we know? Our heart’s desires will change. Material possessions and activities that we previously treasured that were antagonistic to Jesus Christ will be let go, replaced by anything that brings honor and glory to His Name. Our treasure will be only found in Him. Once that happens, we will be identified as a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Verification of identification is important, not only for voting but for many activities of daily living. But our most important identification must lie in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.