“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter,” said Winston Churchill. If there’s truth in that, and if it’s compounded by the reality of sinful man’s fallen nature and innate blindness to fundamentally important realities, then why advocate for democratic processes like voting? Why urge Christians to get out and vote?

Answer: Because folly that can be foisted upon society by the masses is only made worse when folly is concentrated and unchecked in a small number of governing officials. The masses can be wrong and often are. We don’t worship democracy. But democratic processes such as voting serve as a check against a rogue state.

Further, as one votes his conscience before God, he serves as some measure of salt and light in the world. It sends leaders a signal that citizens are not indifferent, leaving officials to do whatever they please.

So, yes to Mr. Churchill—democratic republics are deeply flawed as a form of human government. But they have proved to be better at protecting freedoms than all the manmade alternatives.

Application: Get out and vote on Tuesday, November 7. (Learn more about your specific ballot.)