The manner in which the elector
exercises the right and privilege to cast his vote is therefore of great
significance. Shoghi Effendi's instruction in this passage further explains
that "to be able to make a wise choice at the election time, it is
necessary for him to be in close and continued contact with all local
activities, be they teaching, administrative or otherwise, and to fully and
whole-heartedly participate in the affairs of the local as well as national committees
and assemblies in his country. It is only in this way that a believer can
develop a true social consciousness and acquire a true sense of responsibility
in matters affecting the interests of the Cause. Bahá'í community life thus
makes it a duty for every loyal and faithful believer to become an intelligent,
well-informed and responsible elector, and also gives him the opportunity of
raising himself to such a station." (The Universal House of
Justice, Message to the Baha’is of the World, 25 March 2007)
