Jehovah's Witnesses around the world are at odds with each other over whether or not they are allowed to vote.
   The confusion has been caused by a "Questions from Readers" article in the 1st November 1999 issue of the  Watchtower magazine.
   The "reader", (more than likely a Watchtower writer)  simply asks "How do Jehovah's Witnesses view voting?"
   Up until now Jehovah's Witnesses have been ordered not to vote in political elections in order to maintain the organisation's stance of political neutrality.
   Indeed the Watchtower magazine of 15th November 1977 on page 686 says
"The Witnesses are neutral as to warfare and strife between the nations, as well as being clean from all political involvement, not even voting, because they fulfil Jesus' description of them as being "no part of the world." (John 17:14)"
   But, in the answer given by the Watchtower magazine, it seems that another change in doctrine may be being passed down by the "heavenly mother".
   For on page 28 of the magazine we read:

As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah's Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State.

And just to make it clearer, on page 29 we read;

If someone decides to go to the polling booth, that is his decision. What he does in the polling booth is between him and his creator.

Of course, the Watch Tower Society's suggestion that Jehovah's Witnesses use their "Bible-trained conscience" is just like telling them to follow the Watch Tower line and not vote in political elections, but there may be another reason why the society is loosening its iron-like grip.
   Recently, efforts by the society to gain acceptance and legal recognition in a number of European countries (i.e. Bulgaria) have come up against some opposition after the government insisted that for a religion to be recognised by the state, they must allow their people to vote.
   While some are touting this as a change of policy, it may simply be words to placate the governments, just like the "change" in the blood doctrine in Bulgaria.
   While the context of the whole discussion makes it clear that voting in politics is plainly WRONG for the Jehovah's Witness, it seems, in certain situations, they will be allowed to compromise their faith and act out the process for the sake of the government.
   Likely, this "tolerance" will only apply in such countries.
   Time will tell.
   For the moment though, thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses are left uncertain as to whether the rule applies to them or not.
   On a number of Internet discussion boards  Jehovah's Witnesses are beginning to argue over whether or not members will be disfellowshipped for voting.
   Once again, in an effort to clarify things, the Watch Tower Society has created even more of a mess.
   Is this really a sign that God is leading them? We will leave the Bible to answer for us;

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

1 Corinthians 14:33