We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.
Pope Francis
Faithful citizenship and the right to participate
The right to vote is one of the most important ways we participate in shaping the common good. One proposal currently before Congress that has sparked significant discussion is the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act). The bill would require individuals registering to vote in federal elections to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or other qualifying documents. It is already illegal for noncitizens to register and vote in federal or state elections. Click here for more information.
Voting rights advocates, election administrators and faith leaders have expressed concern that the bill could create new barriers for eligible voters. They note that millions of Americans lack immediate access to documents such as passports or certified birth certificates. Additional challenges could arise for people whose legal names no longer match their birth certificates, including many married women, as well as for rural residents, military families, older adults, students and people with disabilities.
As of today, the SAVE Act has passed the House of Representatives but has not passed the Senate and has not become law.
Take action
- Pray for wisdom for our elected leaders and for elections that are both secure and accessible to every eligible voter.
- Contact your U.S. Senators. NETWORK has created an action alert with a simple phone script encouraging constituents to share their views on the SAVE Act.
- Take action with the League of Women Voters here and Nonprofit VOTE here.
Did you know?
Helping people register to vote has long been a way that churches, community groups and volunteers encourage participation in our democracy. Recently, a voter registration organization in Ohio was the subject of an FBI search as part of a voter fraud investigation. The incident has raised concerns among many faith-based and nonpartisan voting rights organizations, who worry it could discourage volunteers and communities from conducting lawful voter registration efforts. They are calling on federal leaders to protect both election integrity and the ability of eligible citizens to register and vote without fear. As people of faith, we are reminded that participating in civic life is one way we live out our responsibility to seek the common good. Click here to send letters to your elected representatives.