Midterms 2018: Catholic Social Teaching and Voting
Election season is in full swing, and many voters are discerning the best candidates to represent them on the local, state, and federal level. For Catholics, voting is not only a civil right, but also a sacred duty and another way we fulfill our responsibilities as citizens of the United States.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom.” This duty includes exercising the right to vote (see CCC #2239-2240). While the Church does not tell Catholics how to vote, we are encouraged to form our consciences so we can make moral decisions.
The Texas bishops’ agenda for the 86th Legislature provides guiding principles in addressing bills in the session, which opens in late January. We hope you can use it as another tool in discerning your electoral decisions.
Early voting in Texas started on Monday, Oct. 22. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Visit this link from the State of Texas to learn where your voting location is.
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