The Spirituality of Voting
The Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation work diligently to distribute resources and educate about the spirituality of voting within the framework of The Catholic Church, Catholic Social Teaching and from SND perspectives
... hope belongs in the voting booth. This positive and potent spiritual practice has the power to pull us through difficult times. It fuels our courage, commitment, perseverance and resilience. These are all good virtues to carry with you when you are voting. Hope will help you make choices that align with the concerns of your deepest self.
Rev. Mary Ann Brussat
from "Voting as a Spiritual Practice"
The Call to Put Faith Before Politics by USCCB
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that by prioritizing faith over politics, Catholics can bring the Gospel’s light into our communities and promote a just and merciful world. In times of political division, many Christians are tempted to place their political allegiance above their faith.
However, Jesus rejected such temptations, choosing to stay faithful to God (Luke 4:5-8). Christian discipleship means actively engaging in civic responsibility while centering our faith in our actions as citizens.
Instead of blindly following a political party, we are called to bring the truths of our Catholic faith to improve the groups we belong to and ensure the dignity and well-being of all people.
As Pope Leo said, Catholic Social Teaching helps guide us in promoting the dignity of individuals and the common good. We must keep the sacred dignity of every person at the core of our public life, linking our love for God with our love for our neighbor.
Read More About Faith Before Politics
Whose Story Do I Carry With Me to the Polls?
An SND Office of JPIC video series that will be updated throughout the 2026 voting season with sisters’ testimonials. Check back or follow along on our social media platforms.
Play
Preparing for the November Election
Educate yourself on candidates at all levels: local, state and federal. Remember that Medicaid/Medicare access, food assistance, housing and other human rights issues are legislated at the state level. Continually form your conscience. For more information, read The Role of the Church in American Political Life from the USCCB.
Double-Check Your Voting InformationVisit the National Association of Secretaries of State Can I Vote resources to check voter registration, polling location, voting hours and what identification is needed to vote.
Make a PlanDecide if you want to vote early by mail/absentee ballot, vote early in person or vote on Election Day.
Share information with others.We can all play a part in helping our country get better at voting.Let friends and family know your voting plan and encourage them to make one of their own, too.
Pray!Pray for the election, those voting, those seeking election and those working the polls. See the Prayer for Civility and Election Day Prayer below.
Ohio Sisters Vote
Watch the videos below to see why Srs. Rose Falorio, Rosemary Koesel, and Eileen Quinlan vote.
See More From Ohio Sisters Justice Network
Prayer for Civility
Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace from USCCB
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where uncivil words prevail, show me how to model love.Help me remember the God-given dignity of all and invite others to do the same.
Show me how to build bridges and not walls and see first what unites us rather than how we diverge.
Let me seek to understand before asking to be understood. Give me a listening heart filled with empathy and compassion.
May I be clear in sharing my own position and respectful and civil in describing those of others.
Let me never tolerate hateful ideas.
May I invite all to charity and love.
Lord, help me to imitate your compassion and mercy.
Make me an instrument of your peace.
Amen.
Additional Resources
Catholics have a moral duty to be faithful citizens by engaging in politics, communicating with elected officials, and participating in organizations that promote justice and the common good. This page provides resources to help you form your conscience according to Catholic teaching and stay informed on key issues.
LA Archdiocese Info on Voting & Faithful Citizenship
LCWR (Leadership Conference for Women Religious) is providing prayer videos in the nine days (Novena) before election day from October 26th through November 2nd, 2026. Links will be provided on this page as information becomes available.
Learn more about the work of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Justice and Peace by visiting the JPIC website
The ballot box is sacred space and voting is a spiritual act. When we elect representatives or discern referendums, we proclaim our personal beliefs and shape our public surroundings, all which shapes communities far after the polls close. To be a voting citizen is itself an act of faith, for we all depend on each other, and together we trust that our actions can indeed make a difference.
Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D.
President, Valparaiso University
Election Day Prayer
Let us pray that the elections may truly reflect the will of God, who wants good for all peoples.
From coercion, intimidation, violence, terrorismDeliver us, Lord.
From dishonesty, lies and all distortion of truthDeliver us, Lord.
From threats, intimidation and perverse languageDeliver us, Lord.
That conscience may always be our ultimate normHear us, Lord.
That the common good may always be our highest goalHear us, Lord.
That human dignity may be respected all the timeHear us, Lord.
That the poor and the weak may always have the priorityHear us, Lord.
That care for creation may never be ignoredHear us, Lord.
That solidarity may guide the path of peace and developmentHear us, Lord.
That love of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek public officeHear us, Lord.
Good and merciful Lord, politics is your gift to us, a call to serve others and grow in holiness. Guide our politics as you guide our lives. May our political engagement for voters and candidates help us grow in holiness, compassion and love forever and ever.
Amen.
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