Voting in national or local elections
If women are prohibited from congregational voting because that constitutes exercising authority over men, does the WELS prohibit or discourage women voting in national or local elections for the same reason? If not, why not? Why are women prohibited from exercising authority over men through voting in congregational votes, but not in secular votes?
While the Bible makes direct application of the principles of the one leading (head) and the one yielding (helper) in marriage and the church, it does not do so regarding life in society—where the majority of people do not recognize or follow scriptural principles. That means that when it comes to a matter such as voting in national or local elections, Christian women will reach decisions on the basis of conscience and reason.
The October 15, 2019 Together newsletter contained this information: “Another major decision of the COP was to accept the work of a committee that has produced a restatement of our synod’s doctrinal position on the God-given roles of man and women. ‘Male and Female in God’s Word’ does not represent any change in our synod’s position; rather it is intended to clarify and expand on several aspects of the issue that are not fully addressed in the current WELS doctrinal statement. An accompanying Bible study has also been produced. These materials will be made available later this fall for study and discussion at pastor and teacher conferences and in congregations. Input and questions will be sought during the next year, and the statement will be presented to the synod convention for approval in 2021.”
This link will take you to that document. Pages 12-18 especially address the general nature of your questions.