1Sam 16:6-7, “6 When they came, he (Samuel) looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
It was strange that Samuel, who had been disappointed in Saul was ready to anoint another man as one rejected by God. Samuel saw Eliab, the first born of Jesse, and observed his tall stature and handsome face, qualities which he had admired in Saul. Samuel the prophet almost made a big mistake because he was attracted to outward appearance. He judged the book by its cover. His emotions fueled his drive to replace a king without seeking exactly who to anoint and even test his character. His ambitions clouded his godly judgement (discernment) and God stepped in just in time to save him from his errors.
We need this kind of intervention through prayer and the word to make godly decisions including that of voting when emotions and ambitions are on the rise. Jesus prayed all night before appointing His disciples, the same with the disciples before they cast lots on who to replace Judas.