Keeping our Catholic values in mind is extremely important when we enter the voting booth. Remember we are Catholics first and foremost, before we are Republicans or Democrats or whatever party affiliation we might belong to and hold a membership. We need to keep this in mind and vote our Catholic morals and values.

As those of us in the United States prepare for our next presidential election here are some guidelines and resources to help you in the process. Use these to guide you in not only voting for president, but also for senators and house representatives, as well as state and local officials.

The Catholic vote is one of the largest swing votes in the United States. That means we can make a difference!

In my research I came across an excellent Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics published by Catholic Answers Action. There is also a very good three-minute video on CatholicVote.com. Links to both the voter’s guide and video are at the end of this article.

The Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics explains the five non-negotiable issues (abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning and same sex marriage), actions that conflict with moral law and therefore should not be promoted by law under any circumstances.

Thoroughly research all candidates running for the offices you will be voting for and compare their views on important issues to your Catholic values. What if you really like one candidate on all issues but one? What if that issue is one of the five non-negotiable issues? Should you vote against that candidate? Absolutely.

What if a candidate says he or she is Catholic? Should you automatically vote for him or her? No. Research the candidate just as you would any other candidate to make sure his or her views on issues are in union with our Catholic morals and values.

Pray. As when making any important decision in our lives, we should pray about it.

Dear Lord,
Help me as I prepare to vote in this upcoming election. Give me the knowledge I need to make an informed decision based on my beliefs and trust in you. Please guide those who are elected to office to respect the dignity of human life and the values set forth in the Good News you gave to us. Be with each newly elected official as he or she takes office and leads our country, state or city. Guide each one to do the best job for all mankind.
Amen

Peace in Christ,
© Melissa Knoblett-Aman

Resources for the Catholic Voter

Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics

Video on CatholicVote.com

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Elections Have Consequences
Article on Priests for Life website

Election Center 2008 – Issues
A breakdown of where the presidential candidates stand on important issues.

Obama vs. the Right to Life
Article on the National Catholic Register website