Is the Watchtower Allowing Voting Now?
The Watchtower of November 1, 1999 just came out with an article that has implications considering the recent efforts by the Society to gain acceptance and legal recognition in a number of European countries, some of which insisted that for a religion to be recognized by the state, they must allow their people to vote. While some are touting this as a change of policy, it may simply be words to placate the governments. The context of the whole discussion makes it clear that voting in politics is plainly WRONG for the Jehovah's Witness, but in certain situations they are allowed to compromise their faith and act out the process for the sake of the government. Likely, this "tolerance" will only apply in such countries. Time will tell.
Randy Watters
The May 15, 1964 Watchtower, page 308 states: "To mature Christians, the question of what attitude should be taken in the matter of political elections presents no issue. In totalitarian countries oftentimes people are forced by law to go to the election polls and sometimes persons are even picked up at home and brought to the polls. Even in certain democracies the law makes it compulsory for the citizens to go to the election places. In no country do Jehovah’s witnesses take part in politics. They are not of this world. (John 17:14) Therefore they do not take part in voting at elections. They do not compromise their neutral standing in matters of politics, however, if they go to the polls and make the ballot void in some manner, either by crossing it out or by putting down, for example, the words “For God’s Kingdom.” That is telling what he is for. By doing this their ballot will become void; it will not count in the election of a man. They have complied with the law and gone to the polls and likely avoided punishment."
For the historically sad consequences of this policy, see:
Governing
Body Casts Its Ballot for "New Light" on Voting