What are our responsibilities as Catholics and voters? The Catechism of the Catholic Church informs citizens that we are to fulfill our roles in the life of our political community, including exercising the right to vote. (2239-2240)  Our voting decisions, however, must not be arbitrary.  “A well-informed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law that contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals” (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith).
 
Some things are always wrong and a properly-formed Catholic conscience will not allow one to vote in favor of them, directly or indirectly.  The following five non-negotiable issues are always morally wrong.  It is a SERIOUS sin to endorse or promote any of these evil actions.

  “The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation.”  (CCC 2273)


 “Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons.  It is morally unacceptable.”  (CCC 2277)


“Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for…like any other human being.” (CCC 2274)


“Attempts…for obtaining a human being without any connection with sexuality…are to be considered contrary to the moral law, since they are in opposition to the dignity both of human procreation and of the conjugal union.  (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)


True marriage exists only between one man and one woman.  God created human beings male and female, man and woman.  The traditional family is the husband and wife (male and female) married and open to children.  
  “Homosexual persons are called to chastity” (CCC 2359).


“The thread of abortion remains our pre-eminent priority because it directly attacks our most vulnerable and voiceless brothers and sisters and destroys more than a million lives per year in our country alone.”  (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)
 
How NOT to choose a candidate:  Do not consider only the candidate’s political party affiliation.  Do not make your decision based on the candidate’s appearance or personality.
 
How TO CHOOSE a candidate:  Determine how each candidate stands on the five non-negotiable issues.  If a party’s platform endorses all or most of the non-negotiables, a Catholic cannot vote for it.
 
If candidates or their parties violate one or more of the non-negotiables, vote for the lesser evil to avoid greater evil.
 
Based on contents of Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics from Priests for Life and The Five Non-Negotiables and Voting by Oblates of the Virgin Mary