Around two weeks from now, millions of Americans will go to the polls to elect their president. The voters are faced with many issues: the war in Iraq and Afghanistan; the loss of jobs due to the current financial crisis; local and international terrorism; death with dignity; economic well-being; racial equity; healthy environment; education; healthcare.

        Because of the complexities of these issues, most voters will probably follow what their official party line dictates. I’ve talked to both Republican and Democratic friends of mine and their tendency is to vote along party lines. While I am not surprised because there is really not much choice in a two-party system, I am surprised by the lack of public discussion on the unique role of religion in educating the people on how electoral decisions are made. Remember, I did say educating the people, and not interfering in the state’s political affairs.

        I ask: What guidelines are there that will help me make sound moral choices in addressing these issues?

        My question was answered when Fr. Tom Marti, a Maryknoll priest who used to work in the Philippines and is now based in his native Seattle, sent me two important documents that I found very interesting.

        The first is a pamphlet entitled, “U.S. Elections 2008 – Loving Our Neighbor in a Shrinking World.” The pamphlet, prepared by Maryknoll missioners, encourage voters “to scrutinize candidates’ policy proposals through the lens of those who, both in the United States and overseas, lack basic necessities, endure the scourge of racism, live with gender-based discrimination or feel the immediate impact of climate change.”

        What I like in the pamphlet is that it offers insights from Catholic social tradition and applies them to various campaign issues. For example, it reminds those seeking election in 2008 to redefine US priorities from national security to sustainable human and community security. Doing this, according to the Maryknollers, would lead to more access to food, clean water, healthcare and education. This is very much in line with the Catholic social teaching of protecting human life. The implication is to vote for candidates who are willing to invest in dialogue and diplomacy, reconstruction and development.

         The other document that Fr. Marti shared with me is a two-page document entitled, “The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” It is a summary of the United States bishops’ reflection on why the Church should participate in political life.

         Explain the bishops, “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group.”

         What I like in this document is its straightforward admonition to Catholics to address political questions by helping them develop well-informed consciences and follow faithfully what the person knows to be just and right.

         Let me get this straight, the documents do not tell people how to vote. Instead, they remind us that responsibility in making electoral decisions rests with the voters’ formed conscience.

         So, folks, there you are, vote and vote wisely!