Election Materials and Guidelines

Each election cycle, the FCCB conducts the Candidate Questionnaire Project (CQP) to assist Catholics and the broader community with the obligation to become informed voters. Knowing where the candidates stand on matters concerning human life and dignity and the advancement of the common good is essential to responsible faithful citizenship.

All U.S. Congressional, Florida gubernatorial and Florida legislative candidates appearing on the ballot were invited to participate in a questionnaire. Candidates were asked to identify whether they support or oppose a range of issues that are important to our faith community. Candidates were offered the opportunity to state their positions as well as provide brief comments on each question. 

Materials prepared as part of the Candidate Questionnaire Project are approved for use in parish bulletins or diocesan publications. Surveys or polls by outside organizations are not approved for distribution by Church entities unless prior approval has been granted by the local diocesan bishop or the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Candidate positions on issues are gathered for informational purposes only and are not used for endorsement of any candidate or political party.

2018 Candidate Questionnaire Project Materials and Candidate Responses

The FCCB has taken a formal position on three of the 12 amendments on the General Election ballot.

Amendment 3: Voter Control of Gambling in Florida - SUPPORT
Amendment 4: Voting Restoration Amendment - SUPPORT
Amendment 6: Rights of Crime Victims; Judges - OPPOSE

A brief statement on the FCCB's positions on the three amendments can be found here (English) | (Spanish). This document is approved for distribution in parishes and by Church ministries.

Voters are urged to consider Catholic Social Teaching and consult the document, Considerations Before Voting on Constitutional Amendments (English) | (Spanish), as they discern their vote on the remaining nine amendments on the ballot. The full text of all amendments is available from the Florida Division of Elections. In order for an amendment to pass, 60% of the electorate must vote in support. 

Approved by the bishops of Florida, this guide for pastors and parishes is intended to encourage Catholic clergy and laity to facilitate the involvement of their faith communities in appropriate election related activities. These activities are designed to increase parishioner interest in the policy issues that will characterize election year debates, to focus their attention on candidate positions, and encourage them to exercise their right to vote.

Election & Political Activities Guide (English) | (Spanish)

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

• Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
• Political Activity Guidelines for Catholic Organizations
• Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

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