Editor's note: This is the first of five short articles adapted from the Michigan Catholic Conference's fall newsletter, Focus, "A Catholic Approach to Voting in the 2024 Election." To read the full version or to access more election resources for Catholics, visit the Michigan Catholic Conference's election guide.
Christ calls each person to be a light in the world. As the general election approaches this fall, Catholics can be such a light by allowing the truths of the faith to inform their voting decisions.
It may be challenging for some to view the election with this mindset, as reflexive support for a particular party and the ongoing level of disappointment with the integrity and suitability of some candidates linger.
Still, representative democracy in the United States requires public officials to be responsive to the will of voters, who have the collective ability to influence candidates and issues through choices made at the ballot.
Catholics can be a light to the nation and this state by allowing the faith to inform their voting decisions.
In short, Catholics have an important role to play each election, including this year, to improve the moral fabric of the state and the nation.
In addition to selecting a presidential candidate, Michigan voters this year will fill one of the state’s two U.S. Senate seats. Other significant races include Michigan’s 14 congressional districts, all 110 seats in the state House of Representatives, and two justices of the Michigan Supreme Court. Voters should also remember the importance of local races and issues that impact counties, municipalities, and school districts.
Voting is sometimes described as a civic duty. Yet, Pope Francis has said that each person also has a “vocation as citizen,” and so voting also takes on a moral dimension for Catholics.
Paul A. Long: Prepare to vote like a Catholic this election (Voices)
This edition of Focus is intended to help Catholics in Michigan embrace the vocation of a faithful citizen in the 2024 election and beyond. From one end of the state to another, all are encouraged to consider St. Paul’s exhortation to “put on the mind of Christ” before voting.
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