Are you ready to vote in the Primaries?
The Catholic Church calls for political engagement shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and vulnerable.
Faithful Citizenship – New Jersey Catholic Conference – Trenton, NJ
Many Americans are aware that we have Federal, State, and local elections each year in November. Those elections seem to get more attention every four years when we choose a President. There is also usually a good deal of attention in the November elections two years after a Presidential election, which are often called the “mid-term” elections. The elections that fall in odd-numbered years often do not receive as much notice as those that fall on even-numbered years. I believe that it can be argued that “Primary elections,” which often occur in June at the State and local level, get significantly less attention than the November elections. Those who follow electoral politics a little more closely are aware that, even though they often receive less attention and have less participation, Primary elections can be very, very significant in determining who is elected to represent us in our local and state governments, as well as in the Federal Government.
Do you know that the New Jersey Primary Election is on June 10, 2025? And that Early Voting will be open from June 3-8? In New Jersey, voters must be affiliated with a political party to cast a ballot in the primary election; however, unaffiliated voters who wish to participate in the election can declare a political affiliation and cast a ballot in person at their polling location on June 10.
The Catholic Church does not endorse one political party over another. Just as the Church does not tell the faithful who to vote for, the Church does not tell the faithful which political party to join or to join one at all. However, if you are affiliated with a political party, then you have the responsibility to vote. More importantly, you must take time now to prepare yourself to vote which you can do with the assistance of the resources the New Jersey Catholic Conference. For some details about the upcoming Primary Election, here in New Jersey, you can go to: Voting Essentials – New Jersey Catholic Conference – Trenton, NJ
Most practicing Catholics are aware that we believe that part of being a faithful disciple is being a faithful citizen. Amongst many scripture passages that call us to fulfill Jesus’ commandment that we Love one another as He loves us, Jesus’s call for us to be “… the salt of the earth … and light of the world…” (Mt. 5:13-16) is a particular reminder that we are called to “make a difference” in our world and society. In his homily for the Jubilee of Families this past Sunday, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, noted, “Christ prays that we may ‘all be one.’ This is the greatest good that we can desire, for this universal union brings about among his creatures the eternal communion of love that is God himself: the Father who gives life, the Son who receives it and the Spirit who shares it.” Our life of discipleship calls us to build God’s kingdom of justice, love, and peace.
There have been times in our country’s history when there has been enthusiasm, optimism, and even a “belief” that our vote “matters” and that elected leaders could bring about changes that were needed. There have been times when voters believed that a candidate or party could help the poor; defend the dignity and value of human life, protect the rights of workers, immigrants, and other vulnerable groups; and help bring about peace and justice, not only in our own country, but in other parts of the world as well. There have been other times in our history when voters have been more pessimistic or disillusioned, thinking and feeling that their vote does not matter or that there is no reason to vote. While I would not claim to be an expert, what I have learned about American History leads me to believe that, for most of our history, there have been elements of both optimism and pessimism amongst the electorate, whether that be in local, state, or federal elections. I could give my personal opinion on the current feelings of the electorate, but I will refrain from doing so at this time.
As a Bishop and as an American, I am concerned about where we are as a society, here in New Jersey, and as a country. As I have said before, as Bishop, I often hear (and am happy to hear) from faithful Catholics who are also concerned about our local, State, and Federal governments and our elected leaders. Having heard and listened to many voices, I know that many Catholics would like the Church and Bishops to speak out more strongly on particular issues and the decisions of our elected leaders. If we are discouraged by or disappointed in our elected leaders (or by leaders in the Church), especially in this Jubilee of Hope, we should not allow ourselves to get discouraged or lose hope, but we should remember that, with God, all things are possible.
Other Catholics feel very strongly that the Church should “stay out of politics.” While I do understand these feelings and some of the reasoning for this opinion, I would (once again) refer you to the 25th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel (Mt. 25:31-46) when Jesus tells us that we will be judged on whether or not we “recognized” Him in the least of our sisters and brothers and whether we did something to meet the needs of the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, ill, and imprisoned. We can strive to meet the needs of these “least” of our brothers and sisters in many different ways, and we do that as the Church (i.e., Catholic Charities and our Corpus Christi Food Drive). We must also be aware, as faithful citizens, that our votes and our elected leaders have a significant impact on the ways in which the “least” of our sisters and brothers are cared for and valued, and whether their human dignity is recognized and protected.
For those of you who are informed and ready to vote in the Primary elections, I hope and trust that you have prayed about who you should vote for and that you will be guided by a well-formed conscience as you make your choice and cast your vote/s. For those who may not be prepared to vote in the primary, I would direct you to the website of the New Jersey Catholic Conference.
I hope that the title of this column, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” may sound familiar to some readers. It is more than just a “slogan” or an invitation. It is also the title of a “Teaching Document” of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which can be found on the USCCB website. I have recommended this document before. It is a very thorough, well-reasoned guide for Catholics who wish to be guided by a well-formed conscience when they cast their ballot. For those who may not have the time to read the full text “Forming Consciences …,” the USCCB offers a one-page guide, entitled, “What does it mean to form my conscience,” which offers a helpful summary, but also reminds us that the work of “forming” our conscience is an on-going process. Some of the many parts of that process are: prayer, listening to God’s Word in the Scriptures and to the Church’s Teaching, studying the facts, seeking good advice, and taking the time to discern.
This year, early voting ends on Sunday, June 8, which will also be the Feast of Pentecost. Whether we vote early or on “Primary Day,” June 10, let us ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we can be the faithful disciples and faithful citizens that the Lord is calling us to be.
