Based on Ellen White's writings, here's what she specifically said about voting for political candidates, including presidents: ## Ellen White's Position on Voting for Political Parties and Candidates Ellen White made a clear distinction between voting for **political parties** versus voting on **moral issues** like temperance: ### Against Voting for Political Parties "We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme" (GW 391.2). She emphasized that God's people should "bury political questions" and avoid political strife, stating: "The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence" (GW 391.2). ### Exception for Temperance Issues However, Ellen White made a clear exception for temperance-related voting. She stated: "While we are in no wise to become involved in political questions, yet it is our privilege to take our stand decidedly on all questions relating to temperance reform" (Te 253.1). When asked directly whether Adventists should vote for prohibition, she said "Yes" and spoke for twenty minutes supporting this position (Te 255). ### Personal Decision on Candidates According to White Estate documentation, Ellen White's position included three key principles: 1. "We are always to vote 'on the side of temperance and virtue'" 2. "The decision to vote for candidates is a personal decision. If you vote, 'keep your voting to yourself. Do not feel it your duty to urge everyone to do as you do'" 3. "We are to stand free from political strife and corruption" ### Historical Context Ellen White distinguished between voting for "temperance men" versus "intemperance men" in office, showing she wasn't opposed to all candidate voting, but rather to partisan political involvement. **In summary**: Ellen White specifically cautioned against voting for political parties but allowed for personal decisions about individual candidates, especially when moral issues like temperance were involved. She did not make a blanket prohibition against voting for presidents, but emphasized staying free from political partisanship and strife.