Election Materials and Guidelines

GENERAL ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 8
Early voting begins in some counties as early as October 24 and is available statewide starting October 29
Check with your supervisor of elections for voting times and locations in your county

In keeping with its mission, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) aims to assist Catholics in active and responsible participation in political life. Each election cycle, the FCCB offers several resources to help the faithful with the obligation to make informed voting decisions. The bishops neither support nor oppose candidates and do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote. The responsibility to make political choices rests with each individual in light of a properly- formed conscience. The following resources are approved by the bishops of Florida for use in parish or diocesan publications and for posting online. 

Before voting, Catholics are called to consider a wide range of issues, weighing each according to its moral importance. Becoming familiar with candidates’ positions on issues involving human life and dignity is essential to responsible, faithful citizenship. It is beneficial to research the ballot ahead of time and gather the facts for every proposal and race. 


FCCB Voter Guide
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) Voter Guide provides information about Catholic teaching, offers considerations on key topics, and poses questions regarding current issues to assist voters in evaluating candidate positions or political party platforms. 
FCCB Voter Guide (English) | (Spanish)
FCCB Voter Guide Parish Bulletin Announcement (English and Spanish)

 

Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Comparison
The information compiled for the FCCB's comparison of the two major-party candidates for Florida governor has been gathered from policies, public statements, official and campaign websites, and other resources, as of September 13, 2022, for educational purposes only. The issues that appear here do not represent a complete list of issues that may be of importance to Catholics. The FCCB neither supports nor opposes any candidate for public office. 
Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Comparison (English) | (Spanish)
 

Additional Resource: Considerations Before Voting on Constitutional Amendments (English) | (Spanish)

• View a list of candidates running in each race and district (click on candidate’s name to find contact information) 
• Register to vote or update your information
• Check your voter status and polling place
• Contact your county supervisor of elections

Whether running for office, working for a political party, or casting a vote, Catholics are obligated to form and consult our consciences. A well-formed conscience, shaped by sacred scripture and the teachings of the Church, will help guide our decision-making and ensure our actions help build a society that is more respectful of human life and dignity and more cognizant of the Christian obligation to seek peace and justice. 

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
The U.S. bishops offer a teaching document to guide Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. Pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good are urged to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. 
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States with New Introductory Letter (English) | (Spanish)

• Summary Bulletin Insert Part 1 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Our Call as Catholic Citizens
• Summary Bulletin Insert Part 2 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Making Moral Choices and Applying Our Principles
• Bulletin Insert - Not Liberal. Not Conservative. Simply Catholic. (English) | (Spanish)

Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is a valuable resource as we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to properly form our consciences in order to address political and social questions and evaluate candidates and their platforms. 
Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

• Novena for Faithful Citizenship
• Liturgy and Prayer Suggestions

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a campaign inviting Catholics to model civility and love for neighbor throughout the year. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate asks Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do so as well.

Take the pledge and find resources to share with your community at CivilizeIt.org

While Catholic lay women and men are encouraged to fully exercise their rights and duties as participants in our democracy, there are specific guidelines that Church entities and representatives are to follow when engaging in political activity. For instance, parishes or persons representing the Church in official capacities are not to distribute any materials that are not approved by the local diocesan bishop or the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB), or made available through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

FCCB Election & Political Activities Guide
Approved by the bishops of Florida, this guide for pastors, parishes, and diocesan staff is intended to encourage Catholic clergy and laity to facilitate the involvement of their faith communities in appropriate election related activities. 
FCCB Election & Political Activities Guide, Updated August 2022 (English) | (Spanish)

Additional Resource: USCCB Political Activity Guidelines for Catholic Organizations

Civic engagement is about more than voting in elections. It requires ongoing participation in the continuing political and legislative process. After the election, as our elected government leaders engage their work, they need to hear from their consitutents so they can properly address the concerns of the people they represent. The FCCB offers the following two opportunities for Catholics to connect with policymakers:  

Florida Catholic Advocacy Network
The Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN) is a statewide, online community established by the bishops of Florida that exists to connect, educate, and mobilize Catholics across Florida’s seven dioceses on public policy issues pertaining to human life, dignity, and the common good. Subscribers receive via email: educational resources as well as action alerts on key bills at both the state and federal levels that allow for quick and easy messaging to elected officials. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops does not share subscriber information with any other individuals, groups, or organizations. 
Subscribe to the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network

Catholic Days at the Capitol
Each year during the legislative session, Catholics from across the state gather in Florida's capital city to put their faith and civic responsibility into action. Participants attend a legislative briefing before pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers and/or legislative aides. Activities include the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit concelebrated by the bishops of Florida to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.
Learn more about Catholic Days at the Capitol

If you have any questions regarding the resources found on this page, please email info@flaccb.org or call (850) 205-6817.