In the November presidential election, the economy, the war in Iraq and same sex marriage may all be topics that voters have in mind at the polls.

Religious beliefs - a major factor in shaping opinion on these controversial subjects - are the focus of much political debate and calculation.

Some political analysts project that religion, especially the evangelical Christian base the president expects to win, will shape Election Day results.

It is no secret that President Bush is a born-again Christian. He talks about God plainly in speeches and debates. What may give the president an edge this November is the extent to which Christians vote on Election Day.

Sixty percent of evangelical protestants - people who identify themselves as born-again Christians or evangelical Christians - said their religion plays an
important role in their voting choices, according to a Pew Research poll.

Born-again Christians set themselves apart as previously non-religious people who have had a religious conversion in adulthood and been re-baptised, like President Bush.

Only 38 percent of the general population feels that religion will play a significnt role in their voting choice, according to the poll.

The Democratic nominee John Kerry, who is Catholic, and Republican George Bush, have essentially shored up their bases, with swing voters in key states projected to make the most difference.

But among college students, a key demographic in this election because 18-to-24-year-olds are potentially the single largest voting block, religion plays less of a role. Only 23 percent of people with some college education use religion in their voting decisions.

At SF State, Christian students have varying opinions about Bush and how religion will affect their vote.

Dione Ford, an English literature major and co-founder of The Church on Campus, holds Bible readings twice a week with Derek Fahy in the Caesar Chavez Student Center.

Christians are not focused on the economy, but on moral issues like abortion and marriage, said Ford.

“We want leaders who uphold the principles of God,” said Ford. “Any man, Democrat or Republican, who stands for those morals, we support.”

Ford said she respects authority and would not criticize Bush even if she thought he was wrong about some decisions. She does plans to vote for Bush in November.

Other students who identify with Christianity feel that the president is not doing a great job.

Mary Bonifacio, 22, said she has been involved in politics for much of her life and is an active church member, but she will not be voting for George Bush this November.

“I really think George Bush is a horrible president,” said Bonifacio.

The Asian American Studies major believes Bush has promoted racism and intolerance by going to war in Iraq. Although she voted for Nader in 2000, Bonifacio is leaning more toward the Democratic candidate John Kerry.

Both Ford and Bonifacio feel their religion will guide them on Election Day.

“It’s fascinating to see how politics and faith connect,” said Paul Fulner, the adviser to The Edge Christian ministry near campus.

Members of The Edge saw the film Farenheight 9/11 together, but are not actively involved in politics.

Fulner recognizes how politically divisive this year could be and hopes it does not get too negative, even among Christians.

Whether or not they agree with George W. Bush, one study shows at least some Christians would like to see religion as a higher priority for politicians. Fifty-eight percent of people believe religion affects the president’s policy the right amount. Forty-one percent feel political leaders do not express their faith enough, according to the Pew Research poll.

Whether or not this will be a mandate for religion to be expressed openly in politics, so taboo until only recently, may also be decided on Election Day.