A call for the Catholic community of England and Wales to get registered to vote.
Join the Catholic community in making a difference in the General Election 2024. We encourage everyone who is eligible to register and cast their vote on 4 July. Parishes, schools, colleges, and university chaplaincies will play a vital role in motivating parishioners and students to participate.
Important Dates:
- Register to vote by: 23:59 on Tuesday, 18 June 2024
- Voting day: 4 July 2024
- Register for ID to vote: 17:00 on 26 June 2024
Registration Links:
- Register to vote: gov.uk/register-to-vote
- Apply for photo ID: gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
To be eligible to vote in the General Election you must:
- be registered to vote
- be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
- be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
- be resident at an address in the UK or living abroad and registered as an overseas voter
- not be legally excluded from voting
If you are not a British Citizen you may still be able to vote – check if you still can vote here: https://canivote.org.uk/
Guidance from the Church:
While the Church does not endorse any party, it provides principles to help discern the best choices for advancing the common good.
“All citizens, therefore, should be mindful of the right and also the duty to use their free vote to further the common good “ Guadium et Spes (75)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church #2240: Exercising the right to vote is a moral obligation for the common good.
- Compendium of Social Doctrine of the Church #189: Participation is a duty, contributing to cultural, economic, political, and social life with responsibility and a view to the common good.
Biblical Foundations on Voting:
- Romans 13:1-7: Voting publicly recognises that we submit to the authority of the political system in our nation as established by God
- Deuteronomy 10:17-19: Voting recognises the equality of all people and their right to speak and be heard.
- Jeremiah 29:5-6: Voting is a way we can seek the good of the nation.
- 1 Corinthians 10:24: “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other”
- Proverbs 31:8: “Speak out for those who cannot speak for the rights of all the destitute”
Why Your Vote Matters: Participation is essential for the shaping of our society and promoting the Common Good. Whilst it is not only our civic duty, and calling as Christians to participate in the life of society, it is a means to build to a just society, that reflects God’s original plan for creation reflecting God’s love, justice, and peace.
FAQs on Voting:
How do you vote in a general election?
- In a polling station
- By post
- Nominating someone to vote for you – known as voting by proxy
What happens on the day?
If you are visiting a polling station, bring your ID and polling card along with you – stations are generally open from 7am to 10pm.
What happens if I don’t have ID?
You can apply for a free “Voter Authority Certificate” which can allow you to vote in person. You will need to apply by 5pm on 26 June 2024
Let us come together as a community and fulfil our moral duty to vote, ensuring that our voices contribute to the common good.
#RegistertoVote #DoJustice #GeneralElection2024
Resources for Your Parish
Suggested newsletter insert:
“Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) are encouraging all Catholics to #RegisterToVote before 23:59 on the 18 June 2024 in preparation for the General Election. CSAN have launched a number of resources to help Catholics inform their conscience and navigate the political landscape at this time, find more at www.csan.org.uk/general-election-2024“
Downloadable poster for your parish