Election Materials & Guidelines

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 significance. Gaining familiarity with the 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. The 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.

• Remain aware of important election dates
  
• View a list of candidates running in each race and district 
• Register to vote or update your information
• Check your voter status and polling place
• Contact your county supervisor of elections 

In keeping with its mission, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops aims to educate and inform Catholics about a wide range of issues. The FCCB has developed a comparison between the positions of candidates for United States President, Kamala Harris (Democrat) and Donald Trump (Republican), on multiple topics. The positions of the candidates have been compiled directly from policies, public statements, official or campaign websites, and other sources, as of September 6, 2024. Hyperlinks are provided to sources for each position. The FCCB is nonpartisan and does not support or oppose candidates. 

The candidate comparison is just one tool to help Catholics prepare themselves for the election and is not a substitute for individual research and study. The responsibility to make political choices rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience in accordance with human reason and the truths of our faith. The comparison is provided for educational purposes only and does not serve as an endorsement of either candidate. 

2024 Presidential Candidate Comparison (English) | (Spanish)

FCCB Opposes Amendment 4: Extreme Abortion Amendment

An extremely grave amendment has been placed on the November 2024 ballot that seeks to erase pro-life protections by inserting language into the Florida Constitution prohibiting regulation of abortion. The amendment would allow late-term abortions, including when science says the baby is capable of feeling pain, and would eliminate laws requiring parental consent and safety protocols for women. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is working diligently to oppose this dangerous and deceptive amendment and urges all Floridians to vote "NO" on Amendment 4. 

Statement: Florida Bishops Oppose Extreme Abortion Amendment (English) | (Spanish)
Additional resources and information

The bishops have released a statement encouraging Floridians to vote "no" on Amendment 3 in order to prevent increased addiction to marijuana and adverse health outcomes for our communities. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who use marijuana have almost a 10% likelihood of becoming addicted, with that risk increasing in people who use marijuana frequently or start using it during youth or adolescence. Additional research links the use of marijuana by young adults to psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Women who use marijuana while pregnant increase the risk of stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight and impaired development of the baby's brain. 

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)

• Introductory Note / Nota Introductia 
• Role of Church in American Political Life / El papel de la Iglesia en la vida pública
• Dignity of the Human Person / La dignidad de la persona humana
• Common Good / El bien común
• Solidarity / La solidaridad
• Subsidiarity / La subsidiariedad 

• Novena for Faithful Citizenship
• Liturgy and Prayer Suggestions
  
  

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 February 2024 (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 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