Faithful Citizenship: Preparing to Vote
-
California Election Resources — 2026
Voting is both a civic duty and a moral responsibility. Our Catholic faith calls us to protect human life and dignity, care for those who are vulnerable, and promote the common good.
As we prepare for the November 3 election, we are invited to pray, form our consciences through Scripture and Church teaching, and learn about the candidates and ballot measures before us.
The California Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of California’s Catholic bishops, offers these resources:- 2026 Election Resources
Catholic guidance for participating in public life, along with voter information and election resources. - 2026 California Ballot Measures
A study guide to help Catholics consider the statewide ballot measures in light of Catholic teaching. - How Do I Form My Conscience for Voting?
A self-study covering Catholic social teaching, human dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity, the common good, politics, and the family. - Making Practical Decisions Using Catholic Social Teaching
Guidance for bringing the principles of our faith to political decisions.
Resources from the U.S. Catholic Bishops
Our faith calls us to bring the Gospel into every part of our lives, including our participation in public life. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers these resources to help us form our consciences, make responsible choices, and engage others with charity.- Faith Before Politics
Explore the bishops’ resources on faithful citizenship, conscience formation, prayer, and respectful dialogue. - Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Read the bishops’ teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics and the application of Catholic teaching to public life. - Short Guides to Faithful Citizenship
These brief handouts introduce the bishops’ teaching and explore:- The Role of the Church in American Political Life
- The Dignity of the Human Person
- The Common Good
- Solidarity
- Subsidiarity
- Novena for Faithful Citizenship
Nine days of Scripture, reflection, and prayer for justice, peace, and the common good. - Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics
Practical resources to help us listen respectfully, seek the truth, and build bridges with those whose views differ from our own.
- 2026 Election Resources