Election 2010

ELECTION 2010

Voting Information

Thank you for voting!

November 2, 2010 Election Results: Hannah News Service

Voting Reflections

“To love someone is to desire that person's good and to take effective steps to secure it. Besides the good of the individual, there is a good that is linked to living in society: the common good.”

“[The common good] is the good of “all of us”, made up of individuals, families and intermediate groups who together constitute society. It is a good that is sought not for its own sake, but for the people who belong to the social community and who can only really and effectively pursue their good within it. To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity.”

“The more we strive to secure a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbors, the more effectively we love them.”

CARITAS IN VERITATE: ON INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN CHARITY AND TRUTH, POPE BENEDICT XVI, PARAGRAPH 7, JUNE 29, 2009

Catholic Conference of Ohio's page on Faith & Politics

Election 2010

In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue. The responsibility to make political choices rests with each person and his or her properly formed conscience.

Catholic voters are called to properly form their consciences in preparation for voting and for the continued advocacy for just laws and policies required after voting. This process should focus on moral principles, the defense of life, the needs of the weak, and the pursuit of the common good. It requires constant prayer, understanding of Church teaching, and discernment that goes beyond campaign rhetoric and partisan politics.

It should also focus on a candidate’s consistency with moral principles, sincerity, integrity and the ability to effect the policies that he or she promotes.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio grants permission and encourages duplication and distribution of the following:

Making Moral Choices in Voting bulletin insert. (two-sided)
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Black & White

Candidate Issues and Questions educational guide (6 pages)
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Black & White

REFLECTION QUESTIONS ON CHOOSING CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

What is the candidate’s commitment to protect all human life, from conception to natural death?
What is the candidate’s commitment to other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism and other unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, the use of torture, war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care, or an unjust immigration policy?
How does the candidate measure up in both words and actions with the totality of Catholic Social Teaching?
What would be morally grave reasons to support and/or oppose a candidate? (Please refer to the U.S. Bishops document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, paragraphs 34 through 37).
What is my assessment of the candidate’s personal integrity, governing philosophy, performance and ability to influence a given issue?
Has the candidate demonstrated sufficient competency to hold such an elected position?

GENERAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR VOTERS

Have I properly formed my conscience based upon what is true, just, and right and allowed it to inform my political choices?
How does my faith call me to move beyond individual self-interest to promotion of the common good?
How do my spirituality, understanding of Catholic Social Teachings, and acts of charity and justice shape my involvement in public life?
What views do I hold that are challenged by my faith and Catholic Social Teachings?
How will my vote help protect and/or enhance the life, dignity and rights of the human person, prioritize the poor, and advance the common good?

REFLECTION GUIDE ON ISSUES OF CONCERN AND POLITICAL STANCES

Candidate Issues and Questions educational guide (6 pages)
Color
Black & White

Candidates