Bro/sis many scholars say its permissable and actually encourage it, others say it isnt. Its not a clear subject as there's many sides to the argument.
Salams, i know that there are many sheikhs approving voting and there are so many campaigns to encourage muslims to vote BUT i have yet to hear an argument approving of voting in democracy using a clear cut evidence from quran or sunnah.
Just to clarify electing is giving the power of attorney (authority) to someone to do things on your behalf and is halaal (permitted) in general.
However, in secular democracy electing or voting means to give someone – man or woman – the authority to make laws instead of Allah, denying His (swt) sole right to make laws that manage our lives. This is categorically forbidden (haram).
La Ilaha Illa Allah means Worship, Legislation, Ruling, Obedience, Loyalty and friendship are only with Almighty Allah (swt) alone. No one worthy of worship except Him, no one worthy of obedience except Him, no one has the right to legislate except Him, no rules worthy of implementation except His Divine Rules, we’re only loyal to Him and no one is our friend except Him alone (swt) and the Believers.
“Indeed legislation (ruling, judgment, command) is only for Allah; He has commanded that you shall not serve aught but Him; this is the right religion but most people do not know” (TMQ 12:40)
“Or have they partners (of Allah) who have made lawful for them in religion that which Allah allowed not? (TMQ 42:21)
To legislate or make rules by other than what Allah (swt) has revealed is absolutely forbidden. Allah (swt) gives His law the superiority, and commands that it should be implemented to rule between people and solve their problem. Allah SWT describes those who do not rule by His Shariah to be the disbelievers, oppressors or transgressors.
“And whoever did not judge by what Allah revealed, those are they that are the disbelievers …oppressors… transgressors” (TMQ 5:44,45,47) )
In addition, our Iman is not complete unless we seek judgment and ruling by that which the Prophet (saw) has brought from Allah (swt)
“But no! by your Lord! they do not believe (in reality) until they make you a judge of that which has become a matter of disagreement among them, and then do not find any straitness in their hearts as to what you have decided and submit with entire submission” (TMQ 4:65)
By voluntarily voting in a democratic system based on a secular constitution we willingly choose and authorise man to legislate and legalise evil (Munkar) and rule according to it. We authorise –willingly and happily- man to implement a system that is known for its corruption in all aspects of life; political, economic, social, educational…etc. Not only that, but we also –willingly- authorise and request them to protect and preserve this kufr (man-made) system and this way of life!
Accordingly, based on clear cut evidences from the Quran, participation in the general election is a clear Haraam act, as it compromises the foundation of the Islamic Aqeedah.
I understand there is a lot of debate going on and many of the ummah are confused but we must take the responsibility to find out what the ruling is according to quran and sunnah, not just rely on other peoples opinions.