How Should Catholics Prepare To Vote?

The 2018 election in Indiana does not have races for the high-profile offices of President or Governor on the ballot. But, as is evident in media ads, there is a high profile office on the ballot – U.S. Senator.  Other important offices also are on the ballot – all U.S. Congress members, all State Representatives and half of the Indiana’s State Senators.

Indiana’s  Secretary of State, Auditor and Treasurer – and many county-level officials – also will be elected this year. Catholics are obligated to take part. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation.

So how does one prepare to fulfill his/her civic duty and decide for whom to vote? The Church can offer some guidance; not by recommending candidate X or Y, but by giving guidance and perspective in how to approach the issues and how to determine a prudent choice.

One cannot compartmentalize politics and morality

A common error in our time is the dichotomy between faith and public life. All of human life and activity is not out of the scope of God’s care and concern. Some today want to keep religion out of the public square, but that denies the integration of faith and life. The Church teaches that faith is to be lived each day in all one does; Sunday Eucharist nourishes and enables us to live the Gospel‘s call each day in all we do. We are called to be a leaven in the world. Personal as well as political activity is rightly guided by moral norms.

Voting is moral act

One’s vote should not be based on frivolous or selfish motives. Catholics are called to be guided by moral convictions – not attachment to party or interest groups. One should not let party affiliation determine who they vote for or lead them to neglect fundamental moral truths.

The Church’s call for political engagement is different from other institutions and social groups. Interest groups and political parties have a focus of power and governance; the Church asks for persons to focus on the dignity of every human being, the development of the common good, and the protection of the weak and vulnerable.

Be principled and not partisan in political and social issues.

Politics is often ideological, emotional and divisive. The Catholic Tradition does not offer an ideology but a rather moral framework in which to evaluate policies and candidates. The Church asks that Catholics engage using faith and reason, and to form one’s conscience thru study and prayer.

First, one must seek to know what is right by studying Scripture and Church teaching. Second, one must use reason to study the issues in the light of faith – and, finally, prayerfully ask for God’s guidance and will to be done.

Opposing evil and doing good are essential obligations.

Catholic social teaching is holistic. One must always oppose intrinsic evils that directly threaten the sanctity and dignity of human life such as euthanasia, genocide, torture and racism. In like manner, there is an obligation to contribute to the common good in solidarity with those in need. The right to life is linked to the basic needs that every human being needs to live and thrive.

In addition to the basic human needs, defending religious freedom, supporting marriage and family, welcoming the immigrant and protecting the environment provide for the common good. While evil must always be opposed, that does not mean that this absolves one from doing good. Both are required.

Because no candidate is perfect, it is difficult to find one who complies with all values and principles of Catholic social teaching. In the end, you must form your conscience through study and prayer; then vote based on your best judgment of which candidate will do the best job of protecting from evil and promoting the common good. 

So can we be sure we made a good choice? God gives us the virtue of prudence, which enables us to discern the true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it. During the election season, seeking God’s help in developing the virtue of prudence is also a good way to prepare for voting.