Should your religious beliefs influence your vote?

Now why would I ask this question? Simple. There are some out there that feel you should vote based on what is deemed "fair", not by what you believe to be right or wrong. Especially if you render right and wrong based on religious upbringing. Here's an example. I'm a Christian, therefore, I believe that abortion is not only atrocious but it's a sin. A double whammy when it comes to me electing a leader whether local or national. A buddy of mine feels that abortion is a woman's right, "It's her body and she's got the right to do as she sees fit." he says.
Fine. When he asks how I'm going to vote on the issue, it should be no surprise to him (I thought) that I would be far against abortion on almost all levels.
Instead of my friend understanding were I was "coming from" or why I would be against such a thing, I immediately get additude. "Ya know man, I think it's kinda fucked up that Christians are always trying to force feed everyone on what THEY think is right." There was a pause... I couldn't say anything... I just starred... he walked away huffing.
My friend mistakenly walked away feeling as though he had taught my simple ass a lesson. As though my silence and awkward stare were somehow introspection into the wrongs of my Christian beliefs. How unworthy a mere follower of phony religion, such as myself, to be graced with the intellectual "brain farts" of an obviously more enlightened being. Yeah, he got me, but not for the reasons he thought. I was more dumbfounded by the shear ignorance of his statement.
For one thing, the only Christians I know trying to force feed anyone on anything are the radical fundamentalist Christians, who don't speak for nearly a tenth of the rest of us. Those are the ones outside the Log Cabin Republicans rally with the "God hates fags" picket signs. I don't believe Jesus ever stuck his finger in another mans face and called him names in an effort to convert him.
The only other thing I could gather from my friends rant was that I need to put aside my beliefs. I need to stop making decisions based on my faith and start trusting in what HE and others deem is right for our country. I should automatically disqualify any answer produced by my religious ideology because others believe it's backwards and unfair.
Well, exactly how in the hell am I supposed to do that? My ideology is my very core. It is EVERYTHING I believe. I would literally have to become a robot, an empty vessel with no soul, no purpose.
In other words, it's simply ridiculous to expect people to make important decisions, like electing our next president, without falling back on what we believe is truly right or wrong.
Now, I realize this question, this post rather, is a bit after the fact. With the electoral races already over. I'd still like to know what others think about the question. Please comment.