Elections are coming up soon for Americans (November 6th), and some members may wonder how being a member of the Church should affect the choices they make in the elections.

The Church does not tell us who to vote for, nor does it teach us to give preference to LDS candidates in any country. The Church does not endorse a party, either, even though you may hear that many members in a country belong to the same party. There are good Latter-day Saints in both major parties in the United States, and in many other countries as well.

The Church states: “The Church does not endorse political parties or candidates, nor does it permit the use of its buildings for political purposes. The Church does not participate in politics unless there is a moral question at issue, in which case the Church will often speak out.”

With this in mind, how should you, as a Latter-day Saint, prepare for elections? If you have voted responsibly in the past, you will probably continue making the same preparations for this election you always do. You might just be adding an extra step or two.

When you learned to pray for guidance, you were told to study your problem out in your mind and make choices before going to God for approval or correction. This is what you should do in deciding how to vote as well. Study the issues and the candidates carefully, making sure you use reliable sources. Weigh their beliefs and actions against your own beliefs, both politically and morally. It’s unlikely you will find a perfect match, but you’ll want to do the best you can. Taking part in government is a serious responsibility. Church leaders have said, “Members of the Church are under special obligations to seek out and then uphold those leaders who are wise, good, and honest (see D&C 98:10).”

Once you’ve found someone you feel comfortable giving a position of leadership to, then take your choice to Heavenly Father. God doesn’t endorse candidates either, so it’s very likely you could pray about a candidate and feel approval to vote for him or her, while your neighbor could get the same response about a different candidate. Getting a positive response doesn’t necessarily mean God prefers that candidate, only that Heavenly Father considers him or her acceptable for you personally to vote for.

For instance, if you prayed to know what career to choose, your answer would be right for you, but not for someone else, and it’s likely there are several careers Heavenly Father would consider appropriate for you; His confirmation would only be that your choice was one of those appropriate options. In the same way, there may be several candidates who could take care of the country, and your choice is only one of them.

Elder Shirley D. Christenson, an emeritus Seventy, said:

“Citizens of every land, where permitted, should vigorously cherish their right to vote and should act upon that privilege at every opportunity by supporting wise and honorable candidates. Good and wise leaders elected by and working cooperatively with responsible citizens will seek to protect their freedoms. Failure to actively support such candidates with one’s vote may result in leaders who are elected, as Mosiah said, by “the lesser part of the people” who may “desire that which is not right” (Mosiah 29:26). What a sacred privilege and responsibility is ours to participate with other like-minded people to ensure that basic freedoms are preserved wherever we reside” (“I, the Lord God, Make You Free,” Ensign, February 2006).

As new or old members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we must exercise our sacred privilege and duty to vote — safely and responsibly.

This article was originally published in December 2007. Changes have been made for relevance and consistency.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

There are a lot of things that make Zootopia special.  It’s hard to think of a non-musical Disney film that is better than it.  My friend and Disney expert Kyle said he believes it is the best Walt Disney film since Walt’s death.  

Enough with the hyperbole-Why is it so great?  There are a couple ways and I will break it down by category and will keep it spoiler free:

1. Great characters– Judy Hopps is one of the most likable Disney protagonists in a long time.  She’s willing to break the status quo for bunnies and try to be a cop.  This is a dream that not only makes her parents very nervous but that is unwelcomed by the police department itself.  However, each step on the way she is resourceful in figuring out solutions.  She’s never going to be the biggest or strongest but she climbs the obstacle courses and catches criminals in her own unique way.  

The rest of the characters are also a delight including her partner a con-artist named Nick Wilde.  You have the mayor, her boss Chief Bogo and many other great characters. All the voice acting is wonderful including Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy and Jason Bateman as Nick.

2. Gorgeous setting– The world building in Zootopia is stunning.   Everything about it is so lush with an amazing attention to detail. Zootopia is not just a big city with anthropomorphic animals but it has boroughs that are designed for different kinds of animals.  You have Sahara Square, Tundratown, BunnyBurrow, Rodentia and The Rainforest District.  

This is why I recommend seeing the film in 3D.  I normally hate 3D but this isn’t 3D shoving stuff in the viewers face but more of an immersive experience.  You feel like the city surrounds you while watching.  It’s beautiful!

3. Humor and Heart– Going into Zootopia I thought it was an uproarious comedy but really it’s not.  It’s very funny but there is also some really great heart with Judy trying to solve a case in 48 hours and prove her value to her boss. The relationship between Nick and Judy feels authentic and they have terrific chemistry together.

This may be Disney’s most rewatchable film as there are tons of background gags which you can pick out if you are watching.  Like for instance when they go past a store it says DNKY and has a picture of a donkey.  That’s so clever.

There are some adult jokes but not in a tawdry way- just some winks to pop culture, Disney, and even Breaking Bad that may go over kids’ heads.

4. Powerful Layered Messaging–  This is the true standout of the film.  I sincerely hope families will see Zootopia and it will lead to a lot of productive discussions, just like Inside Out did last year.  To begin with Judy is a minority and isn’t treated with much respect, but there is a moment where she falls into stereotypes and labeling for a different minority. This makes the lesson much more effective because nobody is a paragon of virtue.  

There are also great messages about bullying, hatred, tolerance, workplace discrimination, and especially fear.  A character in the film tries to use a fear of the predator animals to manipulate the people of Zootopia.  We can certainly see this same practice in our society today!

Yet the film never becomes preachy.  This is not a Fern Gully or even a Fox and the Hound.  This is because all of the characters have these fears and prejudices and are also victims of them at different points in the story.  This makes great characters without a bad corporate greedy guy villain like in The Lorax (boy what a contrast that movie is with this!).

Zootopia is one of those films that I can’t imagine not liking.  I’m sure there is someone out there but I feel like it has something for everyone.  It’s funny, sweet, and emotional, with a fantastic message.  The only caution I’d give is for kids 5 and under there are a few scary sequences when they are investigating the animals that have gone savage.

To see the rest of Rachel’s reviews, click here.

I kind of hope they change Splash Mountain at Disneyland to Zootopia.  There’s a waterfall in the film and it would be so much more relevant than Brear Rabbit and Brear Fox.  Either way I can totally see it being integrated easily into the parks and would be more than happy to see sequels in the future.

So Zootopia is great in every way you can ask for in animated films. It’s funny, sweet, imaginative and tackles tough topics without beating the audience over the head with it.  You should all go see it right away!!

Let me know what you think of Zootopia Put in the comments section below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWssKZ3UT

I give it an A+.  It deserves it.  I loved it!

Rachel Wagner