Bahá’í Sacred Writings, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, #472

O thou servant of Bahá! Thou hast asked regarding involvement in government affairs. In America it is required that the people shall take part in elections. This is a necessary matter and it is not possible to be excused from it. My meaning regarding not meddling in the affairs of government is that the friends of God should not engage in any mischief or move or act in a manner that runneth counter to the considered views of the government. It is, however, necessary to follow the laws and regulations of the nation. Now, as the government of America is republican in form, all the inhabitants, through the election of officials, must needs take part in the affairs of the republic.