Created in the image and likeness of God from the very beginning of time, human life begins its journey on Earth from conception until natural death.

"Every human person - no matter how vulnerable or helpless, no matter how young or how old, no matter how healthy, handicapped or sick, no matter how useful or productive for society - Is a being of inestimable worth created in the image and likeness of God...the ultimate test of her greatness: to respect every human person, especially the weakest and most defenseless ones, those as yet unborn.

John Paul II
 

Human Life Office

The 135th General Assembly approved a special election to be held on August 8, 2023, for the citizens of Ohio to vote on Issue 1. Issue 1 asks voters if Ohio should “Require that any proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio receive the approval of at least 60 percent of eligible voters voting on the proposed amendment.” Raising the threshold to amend the Ohio Constitution does not have any direct moral content, therefore the bishops of Ohio are maintaining a neutral position. While not taking a position, the bishops are asking all Catholic churches in Ohio to inform parishioners about the August 8 election and encourage voter registration and participation in the special election. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship states, “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.”

The Knights of Columbus has volunteered to hold non-partisan voter registration drives in Ohio parishes in advance of the July 10 voter registration deadline. The Catholic Conference of Ohio has put together a 2023 Voter Registration Event Guide that outlines the USCCB guidelines for such events and highlights important dates and links for registration in Ohio. This will be used by the Knights of Columbus, but can also be implemented by volunteers at your parish if you wish to hold your own non-partisan voter registration drive.

You can verify that your voter information is up to date, or register to vote, at VoteOhio.gov. You can also request an absentee ballot or find your early in-person voting location.

Dates to be aware of:

·         Monday, July 10: Deadline to Register to Vote or Update Voter Information

·         Tuesday, July 11: Absentee and Early In-Person Voting begins

·         Sunday, August 6: Early In-Person Voting ends at 5:00 pm

·         Monday, August 7: Last day to drop off or postmark your Absentee Ballot

·         Tuesday August 8: election day