Have you made a plan to vote? Wisconsin’s August primaries will take place in one week on Tuesday August 11th. In this election, voters will choose candidates for the governor, lieutenant governor, and state assembly and senate races that will take place in November. Visit MyVote.WI.gov to make sure you are registered to vote, find your polling place, view your ballot, and learn about early voting options. If you would like to take advantage of early voting options, you may still have time depending on your municipality. Contact your municipal clerk today to find out. This November, we anticipate razor-thin margins in races that will impact not only our state but also the entire nation. Next week, we bear a responsibility to do our part in helping candidates with Biblical values secure a spot on the November ticket. MarkTuesday August 11th on your calendar today.

Yesterday, my wife and I spent the day exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. We hiked miles of winding trails through the dunes, and I quickly learned that what looked like the “last hill” rarely was. Time after time, after climbing what I thought was the final ridge, another hill appeared in front of us. By the end of the hike, I was exhausted—but every climb brought another breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. Oftentimes, the most worthwhile journeys require perseverance.

That experience reminded me of where we find ourselves today. The primary election on Tuesday, August 11, is one of the most important hills before us. It is tempting to think the work is nearly finished once the primary is over, but in reality, it is only preparing us for the much steeper climb toward the November general election. Every vote matters. Every informed voter matters. Every conversation matters.

I encourage you to make a plan to vote and to help others do the same. Before casting your ballot, please review Wisconsin Family Action’s endorsed candidates and take time to learn more about those seeking your vote. Our endorsements are available on our website, and you can find detailed candidate comparisons at iVoterGuide.com. An informed Christian voter is one of the greatest blessings our republic can have.

This morning, I’ll be tackling another challenge—the famous 450-foot climb straight up the face of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. From the bottom it looks intimidating, but the only way to reach the top is one step at a time. That is also true for our work in Wisconsin. After the primary, we must continue climbing together with courage and perseverance as we work to protect life, strengthen families, and defend our God-given freedoms through the votes we cast in the November election.

Yesterday, our Wisconsin Family Council team had the privilege of leading a discussion on religious freedom with ministry leaders from countries around the world. As we shared how God is using our ministry and our partners here in Wisconsin, it was clear that the religious liberty we often take for granted here is something many believers around the world can only dream of experiencing. Please pray for these courageous leaders as they faithfully serve Christ in places where spreading the Gospel is restricted or even prohibited. And as you pray, remember that the freedoms we enjoy require faithful stewardship. One of the most important ways we can protect religious liberty is by electing leaders who will defend it.

Thank you for standing with Wisconsin Family Council. Together, by God’s grace, we can continue to shine His truth in our state and preserve the freedoms that enable us to boldly proclaim the Gospel.