Faithful Citizenship 2016
“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” Faithful Citizenship
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (2015), discusses the moral dimensions of public policies and the responsibility that all Catholics share to form their consciences in light of their faith.
As the Catholic bishops of Wisconsin, we urge you to exercise your fundamental right to vote, but equally important, to become actively engaged in the life of your community. Bring to bear all the wisdom and experience that Catholic social teaching and our faith have to offer. Ask yourself and those who govern our nation, “Does this social program, economic plan, or public policy respect the dignity of the person, created in the image and likeness of God? Does it further the common good?”
The questions on the right are intended to help guide you in your efforts to make moral and prudential decisions about candidates and public policies. Please use them when contacting candidates for local and state public office.
To obtain more information on Catholic social teaching, public policy issues, and ideas for engaging Faithful Citizenship, please contact the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (608-257-0004) or your local diocesan office at the number below:
Green Bay Department of Living Justice: 920-272-8291
La Crosse Office for Ministries and Social Concerns: 608-791-0161 Madison Coordinator for Respect Life and Social Justice: 608-821-3002
Milwaukee Catholic Social Justice Ministry & Dignity of the Human Person: 414-758-2286
Superior Office of Diocesan Consultation: 715-394-0204
To find out who is running for office in your area, visit https://myvote.wi.gov or call 1-866-VOTE-WIS (8683-947). You may also contact your county or city clerk’s office at http://www.gab.wi.gov/clerks/ directory.
Candidate Questions
Every Human Life Is Created in God’s Image and therefore Sacred
Where does the candidate stand on:
* Protecting human life from conception to natural death?
* Preserving state limits on abortion?
* Preserving the state ban on assisted suicide and euthanasia?
* Prohibiting research that uses aborted fetal parts or human embryos?
* Banning the cloning of human embryos?
* Preserving the state ban on the death penalty?
* Treating all refugees and immigrants with dignity and respect?
* Ensuring that the state protects religious liberty and freedom of conscience for all?
The Family Is the Domestic Church
Where does the candidate stand on:
* Protecting the fundamental understanding of marriage as the lifelong and faithful union of one man and one woman?
* Increasing support for pregnant women in need?
* Respecting parents as the first and primary educators of their children?
* Expanding educational choice for all families?
* Expanding tax incentives for families that utilize private schools?
* Allowing a state tax credit for adoption expenses?
God Has a Special Love for the Poor and Vulnerable; Workers Collaborate in the Development of God’s Creation
Where does the candidate stand on:
* Increasing the state minimum wage to keep pace with inflation?
* Assuring basic support for people living in poverty?
* Maintaining access to health care for low-income persons?
* Increasing funding for safe and affordable housing?
* Providing treatment instead of incarceration to non-violent drug and alcohol offenders?
* Supporting the right of workers to organize collectively?
Respect for the Creator Is Shown by Our Care for His Creation
Where does the candidate stand on:
* Supporting farmers and business owners who implement environmentally
sound management practices?
* Promoting conservation and alternative, renewable energy sources?
* Protecting our state’s natural resources?
Wisconsin Voter Information
MyVote Wisconsin Website
The MyVote Wisconsin Website (https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/) is the State of Wisconsin’s official source for voting. There you can register to vote, check your voter registration status, find your polling place, see what’s on your ballot, request an absentee ballot (military and permanent overseas voters only), and check provisional ballot status. You can also call the Election Commission’s Help Desk at (608) 261-2028, Toll-Free (866) VOTE-WIS (8683-947), or email .
To confirm that you are on the pre-printed poll list at your designated polling station, contact your city or county clerk. To find your clerk, visit http://www.gab.wi.gov/clerks/directory.
Voter Photo ID Required
A photo ID is now required to receive a ballot in all regular and special elections. To learn if you have the right photo ID, how to get a free state ID card for voting, and what exceptions there are to the new law, visit the website Bring It to the Ballot (http:// bringit.wi.gov/).
Voter Registration
For those organizing a voter registration drive, please be aware that the State of Wisconsin has new registration procedures. For guidance, contact your local city or county clerk at http:// www.gab.wi.gov/clerks/directory.
