VOTING FROM A CATHOLIC FAITH PERSPECTIVE |
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Freedom is not free. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, USCCB). To assist you in fulfilling this sacred duty and obligation, St. Christopher and St. John the Baptist parishes have collaborated to provide you some essential details of the November 3rd election for your reference (see the details below or click on the PDF Reference Sheet button).
We are called in to live our Catholic faith in all aspects of our lives, but when it comes to voting this can be difficult. The Catholic bishops have developed an initiative titled I Vote Catholic that presents Catholic teachings that form the basis of a well-formed conscience. Please view the video about this project below.
In the coming weeks we will be sharing these teachings with you via our parish Facebook page and parish website. This project is specifically designed not to tell you how or for whom to vote, but rather to assist you in balance the proper relationship between moral goods.
Questions?
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REGISTER TO VOTE
The deadline for registration is October 5, 2020. US citizens, at least 18 years old on or before November 3, 2020 and a resident of Ohio on or before 10/5/20 can vote in the 11/3/20 election. You can check your registration status HERE. If you are not registered, you can register online using the Register Online link provided at the bottom of the above webpage. To do so, you will need your driver’s license or valid Ohio ID card with number, name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your social security number. At this same website you have the option to download and print a form to register by mail. Your current address can also be updated at the website above.
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VOTING - EARLY
Ohio has 28 days of early in-person voting at the county board of elections, beginning October 6, 2020. For specific hours and days, you may want to confirm the schedule in advance for your county:
Montgomery County
451 W. Third St.
Dayton, OH 45422
phone (937) 225-5656
Miami County
215 W. Main St.
Troy, OH 45373
phone (937) 440-3900
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VOTING - IN PERSON
Polls will be open for in-person voting on Election Day, November 3, 2020 from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Make sure to bring along one of the following: a valid driver’s license, a valid state ID, or mail such as a utility bill, paycheck, government check or bank statement showing your name and current address. It is a good idea to check your polling location in advance, because some locations have been moved due to the pandemic. You can search for your location HERE.
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VOTING - ABSENTEE
In Ohio you do not need a specific reason to vote with an absentee ballot. You must, however, request a ballot by mail. The application form can be found HERE. The ballot request must be postmarked on or before October 31, 2020. The Ohio Secretary of State also recently mailed absentee ballot applications to all registered voters. It is important to submit your request as soon as possible to allow for ample mail processing time. As received, requested absentee ballots will be mailed beginning October 6, 2020. These ballots can be returned by mail but must be postmarked no later than November 2, 2020 and received by your County Board of Elections no later than November 13, 2020. Ballots can also be returned in-person to your County Board of Elections before polls close at 7:30 pm on November 3, 2020. Each Board will have a secure ballot box available. You can track your application and ballot online HERE.
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JOIN US FOR A PRESENTATION AT ST. JOHN'S |
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Approaching the Election with Faith and Civility
Our times are divisive, and we – as Catholics – have an obligation to engage with our community and political process and to do so with a well-formed conscience, a spirit of compassion, and the skills to enter conversations with civility and peace. In partnership with Braver Angels, Andrew Muskgrave from the Catholic Social Action Office of the Archdiocese will be with us to help us build skills to communicate with people who differ from us politically and explore how we can do so with our faith as our guide. Come Pray and Stay for the presentation!
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Any Questions: Contact Deacon Chuck Wright via email or call 937-667-3419 |
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