The local elections in May 2017 had many fascinating moments. As neighbourhood issues came to the forefront, the partisan nature of national politics was not as pronounced. Tribal loyalties featured less heavily as is inevitably the case in a nationwide General Election.

Despite the lower turnout and relative lack of engagement, the contests were still keenly fought, and in some places extraordinarily close run.

Nowhere was this more the case than in the South Blyth ward in Northumberland. After two recounts, the number of votes stood equal, so the candidates drew straws to decide who would take the seat. For a result of an election to come to quite literally to the luck of the draw was an extraordinary piece of political theatre.

It does underline the importance of engaging in elections and being involved in the political process. Never has there been a better example of every vote counting.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a particular responsibility to participate in an election, and that responsibility begins with prayer.

In his first letter to his friend Timothy, the bible tells us that the apostle Paul says this – ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority’. So praying for all those who are elected, from whichever shade of political opinion they come from, should be out initial response.

Actually voting is vital too. Although Jesus never had then opportunity to make his mark at the ballot box, he did speak about engaging with the instruments of government.

Matthew’s gospel records how a group of religious leaders tried to trap Jesus into declaring himself as either a rebel or collaborator by asking him a question about paying tax.

Jesus response – ‘give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s’ – was on the surface about the payment of that tax. However it also speaks about our duty as citizens to be involved with our government and its leaders, and elections, local or national, give us the opportunity to do just that.

(June 2017)