I Timothy 5:22 - Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
To "lay hands" on someone here means to approve of or vote for the man. Notice how it is tied together with being a partaker of their sins (those sins that you know of) - both the sins they have committed in the past and have not repented of, as well as the sins they are likely to commit in the future, based on their character. That is why your vote is not to be a "sudden" decision, but one after you have long examined the character of the man. Will you be comfortable being held partly responsible for his likely actions, since you voted for him?
Notice here that the emphasis in God's word on this choice you make is not about "the good of the [institution]" (the institution being a church, a nation, a city, a company, whatever), but the emphasis is laid upon keeping your own self pure. There is more at stake than the temporal good - what happens over the course of the next few years. Rather, what is at stake is eternal. As a Christian, you will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give account for your vote. How would you like to be able to answer?
-VM
