Maryland Elections

Marylanders will vote for all statewide offices and the state’s eight U.S. Representatives this fall. Early voting is Oct. 22-29 and Election Day is Nov. 3. The Maryland Catholic Conference has election resources, including links to register to vote, guidelines for Catholic parishes and candidate survey results online at mdcatholic.org/elections.

Register to Vote
As Catholics, we are encouraged to participate in public life, including voting. If you have not registered to vote in Maryland, register now to make sure you can vote. The Maryland Catholic Conference has election resources, including links to register to vote, guidelines for Catholic parishes and candidate survey results online at mdcatholic.org/elections.

We Cannot be “Unengaged Spectators”
Pope Leo XIV reminds us that, especially at a time of rapid change: “We cannot remain as unengaged spectators; rather, we must listen with our hearts, allow ourselves to be challenged, and become involved. With Christ and sustained by the power of His Spirit, believers are called to take on the burdens of their brothers and sisters, especially those who are crushed by injustice, discrimination, and violence.” (Sept. 2, 2026) Make a difference for our communities in the upcoming elections as you learn, discern and vote. Resources are available from the Maryland Catholic Conference, mdcatholic.org/elections.

Catholics and Politics
“We need to participate for the common good … good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” (Pope Francis, 2013). Form your conscience through your faith, research candidates and vote in the coming election. Visit the Maryland Catholic Conference at mdcatholic.org/elections.

Prudence and Public Life
“In public life, prudence means evaluating policies not by slogans or emotional appeal but by their actual impact on human dignity. It calls voters, leaders, and citizens to ask: What truly serves the most vulnerable? What best promotes justice? What protects the family? What advances peace?” (from Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori). Discern your vote in the upcoming election with resources for Catholics from the Maryland Catholic Conference at mdcatholic.org/elections.

Put Your Faith Into Action
State legislators pass laws that directly impact your family, community, schools, vulnerable neighbors and the dignity of human life. Join the Maryland Catholic Advocacy Network to get simple legislative action alerts and updates, plus insights and resources from a Catholic perspective. Make a difference at mdcatholic.org/joincan.

Elecciones en Maryland

Este otoño, los habitantes de Maryland votarán para elegir a los titulares de todos los cargos estatales y a los ocho representantes del estado ante el Congreso de los EE. UU. La votación anticipada se llevará a cabo del 22 al 29 de octubre y el día de las elecciones será el 3 de noviembre. La Conferencia Católica de Maryland ofrece recursos electorales —que incluyen enlaces para registrarse para votar, pautas para las parroquias católicas y resultados de encuestas a los candidatos— en el sitio web mdcatholic.org/elections. 

Regístrese para votar

Como católicos, se nos anima a participar en la vida pública, lo que incluye votar. Si aún no se ha registrado para votar en Maryland, hágalo ahora para asegurarse de poder ejercer su derecho al voto. La Conferencia Católica de Maryland ofrece recursos electorales —que incluyen enlaces para registrarse para votar, pautas para las parroquias católicas y resultados de encuestas a los candidatos— en el sitio web mdcatholic.org/elections.

No podemos ser “espectadores indiferentes”

El Papa Leon XIV nos recuerda que, especialmente en tiempos de cambios acelerados: “No podemos permanecer como espectadores indiferentes; más bien, debemos escuchar con el corazón, dejarnos interpelar e involucrarnos. Junto a Cristo y sostenidos por el poder de su Espíritu, los creyentes están llamados a asumir las cargas de sus hermanos y hermanas, especialmente de aquellos aplastados por la injusticia, la discriminación y la violencia”. (2 de septiembre de 2026). Marque la diferencia en nuestras comunidades durante las próximas elecciones informándose, discerniendo y votando. Hay recursos disponibles a través de la Conferencia Católica de Maryland en mdcatholic.org/elections. 

Los católicos y la política

“Necesitamos participar por el bien común… los buenos católicos se involucran en la política ofreciendo lo mejor de sí mismos para que el líder pueda gobernar” (Papa Francisco, 2013). Forme su conciencia a través de la fe, infórmese sobre los candidatos y vote en las próximas elecciones. Visite el sitio web de la Conferencia Católica de Maryland: mdcatholic.org/elections.

La prudencia y la vida pública

“En la vida pública, la prudencia significa evaluar las políticas no por consignas o apelaciones emocionales, sino por su impacto real en la dignidad humana. Insta a los votantes, a los líderes y a los ciudadanos a preguntarse: ¿Qué beneficia verdaderamente a los más vulnerables? ¿Qué promueve mejor la justicia? ¿Qué protege a la familia? ¿Qué fomenta la paz?” (palabras del arzobispo de Baltimore, William E. Lori). Discierna su voto para las próximas elecciones consultando los recursos para católicos de la Conferencia Católica de Maryland en mdcatholic.org/elections.

Pon tu fe en acción
Nuestros legisladores estatales aprueban leyes que impactan directamente a tu familia, comunidad, escuelas, vecinos vulnerables y la dignidad de la vida humana. Únete a la Red de Defensa Católica de Maryland de la Conferencia Católica de Maryland para recibir alertas y actualizaciones sobre acciones legislativas, además de información y recursos desde una perspectiva católica. Marca la diferencia. Únete a mdcatholic.org/joincan.

For the people of the United States, that we may be united in building a society in which everyone can have the opportunity to live with dignity and hope, we pray to the Lord…

For the Church, that we may be a witness to Christ’s love by practicing charity and promoting justice and peace throughout the world, we pray to the Lord…

For Catholics throughout Maryland, that the values of our faith may guide us as we exercise our responsibility as voters, we pray to the Lord…

For the members of this community, that we may find ways to help build a world of greater respect for human life and human dignity, we pray to the Lord…

For those who serve in elected office, that they may lead with courage and wisdom, reflecting the Church’s teaching that the moral test of our society is how the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable are faring, we pray to the Lord…

Por el pueblo de los Estados Unidos, para que podamos estar unidos en la construcción de una sociedad en la que todos puedan tener la oportunidad de vivir con dignidad y esperanza, roguemos al Señor …

Por la Iglesia, para que podamos ser testigos del amor de Cristo al practicar la caridad y promover la justicia y la paz en todo el mundo, roguemos al Señor

Por los católicos en todo Maryland, para que los valores de nuestra fe nos guíen a medida que ejercemos nuestra responsabilidad como votantes, roguemos al Señor …

Por los miembros de esta comunidad, para que podamos encontrar formas de ayudar a construer un mundo de mayor respeto por la vida y dignidad humana, roguemos al Señor …

Por aquellos que sirven en cargos electos, para que puedan liderar con valentía y sabiduría, reflejando la enseñanza de la Iglesia de que la prueba moral de nuestra sociedad es cómo les está yendo a los débiles, los pobres y los vulnerables, roguemos al Señor …

“No one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without influence on societal and national life, without concern for the soundness of civil institutions, without a right to offer an opinion on events affecting society.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 2013)

“We cannot remain as unengaged spectators; rather, we must listen with our hearts, allow ourselves to be challenged, and become involved.” (Pope Leo XIV, Sept. 3, 2026)

“We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” (Pope Francis, Morning Meditation, Sept. 16, 2013)

The direct duty to build a just society through the political process belongs to the laity, not to the institutional Church. (Deus Caritas Est, 29)

“It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.” (Catechism, 1913)

“As far as possible citizens should take an active part in political life.” (Catechism, 1915)

We have not only a right, but an obligation to vote: “Submission to authority and coresponsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory…to exercise the right to vote.” (Catechism, 2240)

“In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.” (Faithful Citizenship, 13)

Participation in public life and public policy allows us to open up every corner of our lives to Christ. “Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted. Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel.” (Pope Benedict XIV, Address to U.S. Bishops, 2008)

“Continue to overcome apathy, offering a Christian response to the social and political anxieties, which are arising in various parts of the world. I ask you to be builders of the world, to work for a better world. Dear young people, please, don’t be observers of life, but get involved. Jesus did not remain an observer, but he immersed himself. Don’t be observers, but immerse yourself in the reality of life, as Jesus did.” (Pope Francis, Address at Prayer Vigil with Young People in Brazil, July 27, 2013)

With freedoms come responsibilities. Churches and people of faith belong in the public square and have an obligation to express their views on day-to-day social and political questions.

As Catholics and citizens, we have a right and duty to advocate for laws that uphold the common good by protecting the poor, the dignity of life, the value of family, and religious freedom of all.

We bring to the public square a voice that speaks especially for those who have no one to speak for them – the unborn, the poor and those in need, newcomers to our country, prisoners, those with physical and mental disabilities, the elderly and families struggling to provide their children with a safe home, a good education, and adequate healthcare.

Unlike many advocacy groups, the Catholic Church’s voice does not fit neatly into typical political distinctions, nor does it follow the dictates of popular opinion. We do not speak as Republicans or Democrats; we are too liberal for conservatives and too conservative for liberals. We are not a “single issue” advocacy group, but rather speak out on a broad variety of topics considered by our lawmakers.

“The Church equips its members to address political and social questions by helping them to develop a well-formed conscience. Catholics have a serious and lifelong obligation to form their consciences in accord with human reason and the teaching of the Church.” (Faithful Citizenship, 17)

Our conscience is not a “mere ‘feeling’ about what we should or should not do and should never be a justification for doing whatever we want…Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us.” (Faithful Citizenship, 17)

Forming our consciences requires “a willingness and openness to seek the truth and what is right by studying Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church”; to “examine the facts and background information about various choices”; and prayer to “discern the will of God.” (Faithful Citizenship, 18)

“There are some things we must never do, as individuals or as a society, because they are always incompatible with love of God and neighbor.” (Faithful Citizenship, 22)

“Such actions are so deeply flawed that they are always opposed to the authentic good of persons. These are called ‘intrinsically evil’ actions. … They must always be rejected and opposed and must never be supported or condoned.” (Faithful Citizenship, 22)

“It is a mistake with grave moral consequences to treat the destruction of innocent human life merely as a matter of individual choice.” (Faithful Citizenship, 22)

“Acts that directly violate the sanctity and dignity of human life are also intrinsically evil” and must be opposed. Examples include genocide, torture, and violations of human dignity, such as acts of racism and treating the poor as “disposable.” (Faithful Citizenship, 23)

“The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many.” (Faithful Citizenship, 28)

“Acts that directly violate the sanctity and dignity of human life are also intrinsically evil” and must be opposed. Other assaults on human life and dignity also cannot be ignored, such as genocide, torture, acts of racism and treating the poor as “disposable.” (Faithful Citizenship, 23)

“La Iglesia provee a sus miembros con lo necesario para tratar cuestiones políticas y sociales al ayudarlos a desarrollar una conciencia bien formada. Los católicos tienen una obligación seria y para toda la vida de formar su conciencia en acuerdo con la razón humana y la doctrina de la Iglesia”. (Formando la conciencia para ser ciudadanos fieles, 17)

Nuestra conciencia no es un “mero ‘sentimiento’ acerca de lo que deberíamos o no hacer. Más bien, la conciencia es la voz de Dios que resuena en el corazón humano, revelándonos la verdad”. (Formando la conciencia para ser ciudadanos fieles, 17)

La formación de nuestra conciencia requiere “el deseo y una actitud abierta de buscar la verdad y lo que es correcto, estudiando la Sagrada Escritura y la doctrina de la Iglesia”; “examinar los hechos y antecedentes de las distintas opciones”; y la oración para “discernir la voluntad de Dios”. (Ciudadanía Fiel, 18)

“Hay cosas que nunca debemos hacer, ni como individuos ni como sociedad, porque estas son siempre incompatibles con el amor a Dios y al prójimo”. (Ciudadanía Fiel, 22)

“Tales acciones son tan profundamente defectuosas que siempre se oponen al bien auténtico de las personas. Estas acciones se llaman ‘actos intrínsecamente malos’. Estos siempre se deben rechazar y ser objeto de oposición y nunca se deben apoyar o aprobar”. (Ciudadanía Fiel, 22)

“Es un error con graves consecuencias morales el tratar la destrucción de una vida inocente simplemente como una cuestión de decisión individual”. (Ciudadanía Fiel, 22)

“Actos que violan directamente la santidad y dignidad de la vida humana son también intrínsecamente malos” y deben ser combatidos.
Tampoco se pueden ignorar otros ataques contra la vida y la dignidad humanas, como el genocidio, la tortura, los actos de racismo y el trato a los pobres como “objetos desechables”. (Ciudadanía Fiel, 23)