Election
Resources

important election dates

October 21, 2024

Final day to register to vote – online or by mail

November 5, 2024

Time to Vote! Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Final day to register to vote in person.

be a voice for california

“We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” – Pope Francis

Faithful Citizenship

videos

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States

FAQ

Why Vote ?
Voting is not only a civic duty but a profound moral responsibility deeply rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that participation in political life is a moral obligation: “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country” (CCC, 2240). This teaching highlights that our engagement in the political process is essential to promoting the common good and upholding justice and peace within our communities. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reinforces this imperative, stating, “In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation” (USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship). The USCCB further elaborates that every citizen, guided by a well-formed conscience, must play an active role in shaping a society that respects the dignity of every human person and promotes the welfare of all. As Catholics, our vote is a powerful tool for expressing our commitment to the teachings of Christ and the Church. It allows us to influence public policies and leaders to align with principles of justice, the protection of human life, the promotion of family and community, and care for the most vulnerable. The Church calls us to look beyond our individual interests and consider the broader impact of our choices on society. By voting, we contribute to building a just society that reflects our shared values and moral convictions. In doing so, we respond to the call of faithful citizenship, fulfilling our responsibility to act as stewards of God’s creation and advocates for the common good.
Why doesn’t the Church Endorse Candidates?

The Church’s Role vs. My Role

The Church’s role is to guide our consciences. “This is where Catholic social doctrine has its place…its aim is simply to help purify reason and to contribute, here and now, to the acknowledgement and attainment of what is just.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 28)

Our role is to implement Catholic social teaching in the public square. As Pope St. John Paul II said, “To destroy structures and replace them with more authentic forms of living in community is a task which demands courage and patience.” (Centesimus Annus, 38)

“The direct duty to work for a just ordering of society, on the other hand, is proper to the lay faithful. As citizens of the State, they are called to take part in public life in a personal capacity.” Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, No. 29 

Read Full Article Here 

How do I form my conscience for voting?
How Do I Judge if a Candidate or Ballot Measure is Good?

First, form your conscience by learning Catholic social teaching. Then, learn about the candidates or issues in the election. 

  • Look at how the candidate has voted in the past, what issues they list on their website, and what they have said publicly. Do their values align with Catholic Social Teaching?
  • Look at who has endorsed or donated to the candidates. Do they uphold Catholic Social Teaching?
  • Remember that no party or candidate fully represents Catholic Social Teaching. Consider who best upholds human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity, on behalf of the common good. Consider who best upholds the seven human rights the state is required to fulfill.