DO YOUR DUTY
August 24th is election day in Florida, primary elections that is. American voters past participation in the elective process is a universal shame, an embarrassment and a wonderment to people all over the world. Fewer citizens of the United States vote, particularly in primaries and off-year elections than almost anywhere else in the free world. I suspect that in Florida, as has often been the case in the past, less than forty percent of the eligible electorate will do their duty and cast their votes.
It is neither appropriate nor the place for a Catholic bishop to tell his people for whom to vote or how to vote. I would consider that an abuse of office, even though I know some people vehemently disagree and think I and other bishops should. A lot of the things which I hold sacred are at play in the primaries and I shall cast my vote as one small step. Particularly on the life and the quality of life issues, there are significant differences in the candidates running for statewide office and for the U.S. Senate. I pray that you will use the time between now and August 24 to study the issues and the candidates’ position on the issues of importance to you and then get out and vote. It is our civic duty, a hard won privilege, a mark of genuine democracy.
+RNL
Update: Post updated to reflect actual election day of August 24. August 9 is the start for Early Voting.
Tags: Current Events, Pro-Life