I hope everyone votes by this Saturday in the municipal elections for BC!  Is it a moral obligation to vote?  Yes, according to the catechism, which says, “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” (2240).  This is because love seeks to help all people, and voting is an important way of contributing to the common good of society.

The U.S. bishops write, “Every vote counts. Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant individual power. We must exercise that power in ways that defend human life, especially those of God’s children who are unborn, disabled or otherwise vulnerable. We get the public officials we deserve. Their virtue–or lack thereof–is a judgment not only on them, but on us. Because of this we urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest.”

At the local level, voting is still very influential.  Take, for instance, voting for school trustees.  They help shape educational policies on such things sex education, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.  Catholics have a great opportunity to select trustees who will follow the truth and do what’s best for our children in these matters.

This website, though unfortunately very incomplete, did give me some helpful information on some candidates’ views from a moral perspective.  If someone can give me more information on candidates’ stances, I’d welcome it!  Thanks!