Millions of Christians Not Planning to Vote: A Deepening Crisis in Civic Engagement

Millions of Christians in the United States have signaled they will not be casting their votes. According to a study released by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, an alarming number of Christians—especially those who regularly attend church services—are choosing to stay home on election day, a trend that raises significant concerns about civic engagement and the future of Christian influence in American politics.

The study surveyed individuals who identified as “people of faith,” a group that includes Christians, Jews, Mormons, and Muslims. While 79% of respondents consider themselves part of a faith tradition, only 51% said they are likely to vote in the upcoming election. Among the Christian demographic, specifically, 32 million self-identified Christians who regularly attend church indicated they are unlikely to vote this November.

A Stark Disconnect

The reluctance of so many Christians to participate in the electoral process reflects a profound disconnection between faith communities and the political arena. Historically, religious groups—particularly Christians—have played a pivotal role in shaping American politics. From the civil rights movement to opposition against abortion and same-sex marriage, Christian activism has long been a driving force in social and political movements. Yet, as the data reveals, this influence may be waning.

The study’s findings suggest that the church’s engagement with politics is weakening. “The surveys revealed that large numbers of Christian churches have distanced themselves from the election, refusing to even encourage congregants to vote and avoiding teaching related to many of the key social issues that will determine which candidates people will support,” the study explains. This shift in attitude among church leadership may be contributing to the apathy seen in their congregations.

Why Are Christians Choosing Not to Vote?

There are several factors behind this growing disengagement. A significant reason cited by many Christians is a sense of disillusionment with both major political parties. For some, the increasingly polarized and contentious nature of American politics has created a feeling that neither side represents their values. Others argue that no political candidate or party adequately aligns with the teachings of Christ or their interpretation of biblical morality.

One respondent noted, “Neither party offers a vision that reflects my faith. One side is too focused on divisive culture wars, and the other promotes policies that conflict with my beliefs about life and the sanctity of marriage. I don’t see a place for myself in this election.”

This sentiment is not uncommon among Christian voters. With issues such as abortion, religious freedom, immigration, and poverty taking center stage, many feel trapped in a moral and ideological bind. Voting, they argue, feels like choosing the lesser of two evils, and that is a choice many are unwilling to make.

Another factor at play is the increasing focus on personal piety rather than social action within some Christian circles. Some denominations have shifted away from teaching about social justice, civic duty, or political engagement, focusing instead on individual spiritual growth. This inward turn has led some Christians to prioritize their personal relationship with God over societal or political involvement, further distancing them from the voting booth.

The Role of Churches

The role of the church in fostering civic engagement has been a contentious issue. Historically, many Christian leaders have taken an active role in encouraging their congregants to participate in elections, viewing voting as a moral responsibility. Churches were once seen as a critical link between individuals and their civic duties, offering guidance on how faith intersects with politics.

However, in recent years, many churches have pulled back from discussing political issues or encouraging voter participation. The reasons for this are multifaceted. For one, some pastors and church leaders fear alienating congregants who hold differing political views. In an increasingly divided society, where politics can split families and friendships, many church leaders prefer to avoid the topic altogether to maintain unity within their congregations.

In addition, some churches are wary of jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. Under U.S. law, churches and other religious organizations are prohibited from endorsing political candidates. While this law does not prevent churches from encouraging their members to vote, some leaders are cautious about how their words could be interpreted, preferring to steer clear of the topic altogether.

Unfortunately, this reluctance may be contributing to the decline in Christian voter turnout. Without strong encouragement from their faith leaders, many Christians are left to navigate the complex and often morally ambiguous political landscape on their own, resulting in disengagement.

The Potential Impact

The potential impact of millions of Christians abstaining from voting is enormous. Historically, Christian voters—particularly evangelicals—have been a powerful voting bloc in the United States. Their support has often been crucial in swinging elections, particularly for Republican candidates. Should these millions of Christians follow through on their decision not to vote, it could have a profound effect on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

Not only could a large-scale Christian absence at the polls reshape the electoral map, but it could also signal a significant cultural shift in the role of religion in public life. If Christians, particularly those who regularly attend church, continue to retreat from political engagement, their influence on social issues and public policy could wane significantly in the coming years.

For political parties, this data presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Both Democrats and Republicans will need to carefully consider how they can appeal to these disengaged Christian voters, particularly as faith continues to play a significant role in the values and priorities of a large portion of the electorate.

Encouraging Reengagement

The question now becomes: How can Christians be reengaged in the political process?

Some argue that the solution lies in restoring a sense of moral clarity and purpose in voting. Instead of viewing voting as an endorsement of imperfect candidates, Christians can be encouraged to see it as a means of promoting the common good and advancing policies that align with their values. Churches, too, can play a role in this reengagement by fostering open, non-partisan discussions about the moral and ethical implications of voting and how their faith can inform their political choices.

Others believe that new political movements or third parties could provide an outlet for Christians who feel alienated by the current system. If neither major party adequately reflects their values, some Christians may be motivated to create or support alternative political platforms that more closely align with their beliefs.

The revelation that millions of Christians are choosing to sit out the 2024 presidential election is a wake-up call for both the faith community and the political establishment. As Christian voter participation declines, so too may the influence of faith on public policy and social issues in the United States. Encouraging these voters to reengage with the political process will require a concerted effort from both religious leaders and political parties alike, as the future of Christian civic engagement—and its role in shaping America—hangs in the balance.