Voting is Social Justice

We cannot uphold an ideal of holiness that would ignore injustice in the world.

Pope Francis

Participation in public life is a privilege that must not be squandered. Citizenship brings with it the right and the responsibility to be involved in politics and to vote.

In November 2023, in their introductory letter to the document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the U.S. Catholic Bishops urge us as citizens to reflect on the parable of the Good Samaritan to rediscover our vocation as citizens to build a new social bond. They remind us that we are called to direct society to the pursuit of the common good.

We are called by our faith to educate ourselves on critical issues from a values perspective. Our political engagement must be shaped by the moral convictions of a well-formed conscience that focuses on the dignity and protection of every human being, with special attention to the most vulnerable among us and the pursuit of the common good. 

How can we know we are voting for candidates who promote the common good? Pope Francis makes it clear: Catholics and all people of goodwill are called to be multi-issue voters concerned with the matters of justice that support flourishing lives, not single-issue voters. Responsible citizens must educate themselves on current issues and learn candidates’ stances on those issues. To make informed choices, read trusted news sources, engage in conversations with others, especially those most impacted by the issues and consult with non-partisan entities like the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights ensuring everyone is represented, and NETWORK, an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy working to achieve equity and justice for everyone.

NETWORK developed a guiding document for their Vote Our Future campaign called the Equally Sacred Checklist. This resource supports voters in educating themselves as faithful voters on the issues and concerns that are “equally sacred” such as health care, economic justice, climate justice, community harm (violence), democracy and immigration.

To make informed decisions, download the Equally Sacred Checklist provided by NETWORK.

Take action to influence candidates and election outcomes. Write letters to the editor, respond to candidate surveys prioritizing issues and use social media to share ideas tagging candidates. Participate in virtual town halls and be prepared to ask questions.

Responsible citizenship demands that we vote based on an informed conscience shaped by our faith and our values, prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable and the principles of justice and equality. In order to do so, we must be informed, engaged and committed voters this election year. As Pope Francis says, “The only future worth building includes everyone.”