OSV News
By Eva Andrade
Special to the Herald
Voting is not only a civic duty but, as Catholics, a responsibility to engage in the electoral process with a heart aligned to our faith. The document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops calls it a “moral obligation.” (FC#13)
With Hawaii being a mail-in ballot state, it’s essential to understand how to register, vote and make informed choices that reflect both our values and the well-being of our communities.
Hawaii conducts elections entirely by mail, ensuring that every registered voter receives a ballot at home. Voting by mail provides the convenience of praying, reflecting and researching before casting your vote.
General election ballots have already been mailed to registered voters. (Ballots must be received by voters at least 18 days before the election, or by Oct. 18 this year.)
Voters should mail their ballots at least four days before Election Day to ensure their ballots are received on time. That means ballots should be in the mail no later than Nov. 1 to be received by Nov. 5.
Voter service centers are now open and provide accessible in-person voting, same-day voter registration and collection of voted ballots. Many will be open until 7 p.m. on Election Day; visit the state Office of Elections website at elections.hawaii.gov to find a list of voter service centers.
In addition to selecting candidates this year, voters will also be asked to approve or reject two amendments to the Hawaii Constitution. These amendments are critical decisions that directly shape the state’s governance and legal framework.
Each proposed amendment will appear on the ballot with a brief explanation. Take time to read and understand what each amendment entails and how it aligns with your values before voting. The same can be said for the charter amendments, which differ by district.
Why it’s important to vote
As Catholics, we are called to participate in shaping our society according to Christ’s teachings.
Voting is a way to uphold the sanctity of life, protect religious freedom and strengthen the family unit, all of which are foundational to Catholic social teaching.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is a moral obligation to promote the common good. By voting, we take a proactive step in fulfilling this duty and ensuring that laws reflect principles that foster human dignity, solidarity and the common good.
What if you feel like you can’t vote for any candidate or any issue?
There are times when none of the candidates or issues they champion reflect your values. It’s important to remember that abstaining from voting for an individual candidate doesn’t mean you have to forgo voting entirely.
Before you take the extraordinary step of not casting a vote, consider these options:
- Pray for discernment: Before casting your vote, take time to pray for wisdom and guidance. The Holy Spirit can lead you toward a decision that aligns with the greater good, even in complex circumstances.
- Vote for policies (what they have accomplished in office) and plans (what they say they are going to do): Even if candidates do not fully align with your values, some of the policies or goals they have may still have significant importance.
- Choose the greater good: Sometimes, we have to choose between imperfect options. Look at the broader impact each candidate or measure may have and vote with the intention of promoting the most good or minimizing harm.
Voting is an opportunity to reflect our faith in action. While the process can seem daunting, it’s a privilege and responsibility we must embrace.
Let us step forward as faithful citizens, informed and prayerful, ready to make a difference in shaping a better future for our families and our state.
The Hawaii Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Diocese of Honolulu, offers a resource website for voters. Visit www.catholichawaii.org/fc.
How to register to vote
If you aren’t yet registered, the process is simple and essential:
- Online: Visit the Office of Elections’ Online Voter Registration System at olvr.hawaii.gov.
- By mail: Visit the Office of Elections’ website at elections.hawaii.gov or go to your local County Elections Division office to complete, print out and mail a paper voter registration application or to learn how to receive an application in the mail.
- In-person: Hawaii offers same-day registration at voting service centers.
- Deadlines: Online registration can be done at any time. The last day to register using a paper registration application is Oct. 28 — applications must be postmarked to your local County Elections Division office no later than 4:30 p.m. on this date.
If you are already registered:
- Visit olvr.hawaii.gov to check your registration status. You can update your existing voter registration if necessary and confirm your voter registration address.
