This fall, Virginia voters will select candidates for:
- U.S. President
- U.S. Senator
- U.S. Representative
- Some local offices
Early voting: September 20-November 2
Registration ends: October 15
Deadline to apply for absentee ballot: October 25
Election day: November 5
The Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) represents the bishops of the dioceses of Arlington and Richmond by advocating for public policy that reflects natural law, advances human dignity, and serves the common good. The VCC also supports the efforts of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to address federal policy issues.
To help you faithfully prepare to vote, the VCC has compiled an Election Resource Hub on its website with information in both English and Spanish, including:
- Candidate Comparison Chart for the U.S. Presidential Election
- Candidate Comparison Chart for the Virginia U.S. Senate Election
- Four principles of Catholic social teaching
- New inserts on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship from U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
- Link to request an absentee ballot
- Link to find your polling place
- Instructions on finding your new districts
Bishop Barry C. Knestout and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington, issued the following letter to Catholic voters in Virginia:
Election Day is November 5. Early voting begins September 20. As Americans, we will decide who our next President will be. As Virginians, we will also decide who will represent our Commonwealth in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. As faithful citizens, it is our sacred duty to form our consciences and vote.
World and national events are ever-changing and often tragically alarming. In Ukraine and the Middle East, war, violence, and immense suffering are daily realities. Across our country, extreme and dangerous proposals to expand access to abortion will appear on many states’ ballots this November. Seemingly everywhere we look, a “throwaway culture” runs rampant, disregarding dignity and embracing indifference, selfishness, abandonment, and greed.
Yet, we must see beyond all the destruction and despair. The Church’s timeless teachings show us how. They shine light in the darkness, providing an anchor for our enduring hope and a sure guide for the formation of our consciences.
As we have stated in previous pre-election letters, these teachings tell us that three principles must guide how we vote:
- Many issues are important.
- Not all issues have equal moral weight.
- Protecting life is paramount.
Addressing the tragedy of abortion is the “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, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, Introductory Letter).
Resources provided by the Virginia Catholic Conference explain the principles, the positions of candidates, and practical tips for voter registration. Visit www.vacatholic.org to view these materials.
Through conscience formation, prayer, and fasting, prepare your minds and hearts to engage in this year’s critical voting decisions. United in the Eucharist, let us pray for one another, as Americans, Virginians, and faithful citizens.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout
Bishop of Richmond
Lee el mensaje de los obispos en español.
Read more about faithful citizenship.