Editorial

No excuses: Remember that every vote counts

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We've heard the excuses. "I'm too busy. I just can't take the time." "The candidates are so boring. I'm just not interested." "I'm not feeling well." "We'll be out of town for a vacation." And the list goes on and on.

These are the top reasons given by registered voters for not voting in the general election in the year 2000 (as reported recently in USA TODAY). As citizens of a democracy, we have the privilege of being able to vote freely. Yet many people do not take advantage of the opportunity to elect the leaders who will determine the direction of our country in the years ahead.

Voting privileges. Citizens in America are not required to vote at this time in our history (unlike some countries like Australia, Belgium, and Greece which have compulsory voting). Instead, we are encouraged to exercise our voting privileges.

"One of our greatest blessings in the United States is our right and responsibility to participate in civic life," say the U.S. Catholic bishops in their statement, "Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium" (2000).

"Every believer is called to faithful citizenship, to become an informed, active, and responsible participant in the political process," they say. "Every voice matters in the public forum. Every vote counts."

Moral priorities. The bishops suggest moral priorities for public life. These include protecting human life, promoting family life, pursuing social justice, and practicing global solidarity. Under each of these priorities are more specific issues detailed in many documents published by the bishops.

The protection of human life is listed first in the bishops' statement. This is no accident, for without life the other issues would be meaningless. The founders of our country, it seems, would have agreed with the bishops. They, too, put "life" ahead of "liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence.

The Catholic Church promotes a "consistent ethic of life." It has called on society to protect life at all stages of development: the unborn baby, the disabled, the elderly, the terminally ill, and those convicted of crimes. The church is also opposed to war, genocide, and starvation that threaten the lives of millions of people throughout the world.

Make conscientious choices. As Catholics and as citizens, it is important that we examine where each candidate stands on these priority issues. Then, we must make a conscientious choice, go to the polls, and vote.

"We get the public officials we deserve," say the U.S. bishops in another strong document on political responsibility, "Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics" (1998). "Their virtue - or lack thereof - is a judgment not only on them, but on us. Because of this, we urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest."

State elections. In Wisconsin on Nov. 5, we will elect a governor, an attorney general, eight congressional representatives, and 100 members of the state Legislature. Polls indicate many of these races will be very close, so every vote does count.

There are many valuable voter information resources, particularly available on the Web. For information on issues of concern to the Catholic Church and resources on church involvement in electoral politics, go to www.wisconsincatholic.com/election/elect02.htm

Don't make any excuses. Exercise the privilege we enjoy in this country and often take for granted. Go to the polls on Nov. 5 and vote your conscience.

Mary C. Uhler