In this presidential election, perhaps more than any other, voters are making up their minds about the candidates based on a wide variety of issues—some social, some spiritual.

But regardless of which matters ultimately help voters decide, the how is abundantly important.

This headline-making election season has been a frequent topic of discussion on “Stand in the Gap Today,” the daily news and commentary radio program from the American Pastors Network and PA Pastors Network President Sam Rohrer says it’s imperative that Christians not only vote, but vote with a biblically based checklist in mind on Nov. 8.

“Voting truly does have a lifetime of accountability,” Rohrer said. “The faithful cannot simply choose a name on a whim or go along with what the polls are dictating. Rather, voting must be a carefully considered, prayerful and serious decision. Our prayer is that every Christian will base their voting decisions on biblical principles and wisdom, rather than emotion or what the polls might say.”

Decades ago, Rohrer created his “Voting Integrity Checklist,” a series of questions he developed for himself to use during nearly 20 years in office. It helps not only to ensure votes of integrity, but to also permit voters to have confidence in how candidates may conduct themselves while in office. Ultimately, a number of Rohrer’s fellow legislators adopted this simple checklist, with the application to evaluate potential candidates on how they measure up to a carefully prioritized list of considerations.

“The more a candidate’s views and positions mirror this list,” Rohrer said, “the more constitutional and moral their decisions in office will be.”

According to Rohrer, questions to ask when progressing through the “Voter Integrity Checklist” include:

1. Is it moral?
2. Is it constitutional?
3. Does it preserve individual freedom and responsibility (vs. strengthening government control)?
4. Does it preserve and strengthen the traditional family?
5. Is it in the best interest of the general public (vs. only special interests)?
6. Is it necessary?
7. Should it be done on the federal level?
8. Is this an effective and efficient way to do it?
9. Do we have the money to pay for it?

Rohrer’s “Voting Integrity Checklist” stemmed from his teenage years, when a pastor shared with him a five-point checklist for making tough decisions. Rohrer carried and used that checklist through high school and college, through 15 years in business, and onto the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he modified it to meet the demands of legislative votes.