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Voting is an important civic and spiritual responsibility. We are called, as people of faith and as active participants in our society, to engage fully in the process of choosing our elected representatives.  Throughout this toolkit, we will pray, reflect, and act on the many dimensions of actively participating in our democracy.

Preparing Ourselves to Act for Justice and the Common Good

This is a challenging time in the United States and in much of the world. Local problems, national issues, and international crises demand our attention. It is tempting to look away and it is difficult to find hope. As people of faith, however, we cannot detach ourselves from these struggles. We are called to actively participate in politics to promote the common good, especially when it is difficult.

We know that voting is not only a civic responsibility, but a spiritual one as well. Making our voices heard through voting, emailing and calling our elected officials, participating in town hall meetings, attending protests, and going on lobby visits, is one of the best ways to create a more just society. Still, the implementation of our democracy are not perfect. Too many voters, particularly voters of color, are disenfranchised by discriminatory policies and excessive burdens, or have lost their right to vote entirely.

As we prepare ourselves to vote and encourage others to “get out the vote” in this upcoming election, we are mindful of the individuals and communities whose right to vote has been stripped from them. Substantive legislation has been introduced that would restore and safeguard the right to vote for all U.S. citizens, and NETWORK actively supports these efforts to mend the gaps in access to democracy.

Our nation is stronger when everyone’s voices are heard. We must protect the right to vote because, as Sister Quincy Howard, OP says, “In a secular democracy, voting is the closest thing we have to a sacrament.” By participating in our democracy and choosing our political leaders through elections, we show our respect for human dignity and the worth of all individuals. It is critical that we protect and promote the integrity of our votes and our elections because in doing so we protect and promote human dignity.

Free and fair elections not only respect the agency and dignity of all voters, but they are also the way we improve structures and enact policies that mend the gaps. This can happen through both ballot initiatives and by electing lawmakers who write and pass legislation that serves the 100%. When we participate in our democracy — of the people, by the people, for the people – we can advance the common good.