FLCAN E-Update

• CORRECTION: General Election is Tuesday, November 6
• Candidate Questionnaire Project - Know Where the Candidates Stand
• FCCB Positions on Constitutional Amendments 3, 4 and 6 on General Election Ballot
• Election and Political Activities Guide - A Resource for Pastors and Parishes
• USCCB Offers Resources for Faithful Citizenship
• Important Upcoming Election Dates

	CORRECTION: General Election is Tuesday, November 6
	The E-Update sent earlier today incorrectly identified the General Election as being held on November 8. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. We apologize for the error and thank the FLCAN subscribers that brought it to our attention.
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	Candidate Questionnaire Project - Know Where the Candidates Stand
	Each election cycle, the FCCB conducts the Candidate Questionnaire Project (CQP) to assist Catholics and the broader community with the obligation to become informed voters. All U.S. Congressional, Florida gubernatorial and Florida legislative candidates appearing on the ballot were invited to share their positions on 10 issues of importance to our faith community. Candidates were offered the opportunity to state their positions as well as provide brief comments on each question. General election candidate responses are posted on the FCCB website. Candidate Response Summaries/Bulletin Inserts The following response summaries by diocese are approved for distribution by parishes and ministries: Archdiocese of Miami (English) \| (Spanish) Diocese of St. Augustine (English) \| (Spanish) Diocese of St. Petersburg (English) \| (Spanish) Diocese of Orlando (English) \| (Spanish) Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee (English) \| (Spanish) Diocese of Palm Beach (English) \| (Spanish) Diocese of Venice (English) \| (Spanish) Bulletin announcements in English and Spanish are also available to assist parishes with promoting the CQP. Please note that surveys or polls by outside organizations are not approved for distribution by Church entities unless prior approval has been granted by the local diocesan bishop or the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. Candidate positions on issues are gathered for informational purposes only and are not used for endorsement of any candidate or political party.
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	FCCB Positions on Constitutional Amendments 3, 4 and 6 on General Election Ballot
	Twelve amendments to the Florida Constitution will appear on the November 6 ballot. The full text of all amendments on the ballot is available from the Florida Division of Elections. In order for an amendment to pass, 60% of the electorate must vote in support. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has taken a formal position on three of the 12 amendments. Amendment 3: Voter Control of Gambling in Florida - SUPPORT Amendment 4: Voting Restoration Amendment - SUPPORT Amendment 6: Rights of Crime Victims; Judges - OPPOSE A brief statement on each of the three amendments and the FCCB's positions can be found here. This document is approved for distribution in parishes and by Church ministries. Voters are urged to consider Catholic Social Teaching and consult the document, Considerations Before Voting on Constitutional Amendments, as they discern their vote on the remaining nine amendments on the ballot.
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	Election and Political Activities Guide - A Resource for Pastors and Parishes
	Approved by the bishops of Florida, the Election & Political Activities Guide is intended to encourage Catholic clergy and laity to facilitate the involvement of their faith communities in appropriate election-related activities. These efforts are designed to increase parishioners' interest in the policy issues that will characterize election-year debates, focus their attention on candidate positions, and encourage them to exercise their right to vote. The document includes guidelines for parish involvement in political activities and identifies approved and prohibited activities for parishes and ministries. Election & Political Activities Guide (English) \| (Spanish)
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	USCCB Offers Resources for Faithful Citizenship
	Election season can be a great opportunity for catechesis about missionary discipleship and the political responsibilities of Catholics. To help you in your formation efforts, and to equip you to answer questions about the Church's role in political life, the U.S. Catholic bishops have made available dozens of resources at faithfulcitizenship.org, including: The text of the statement, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship A novena for faithful citizenship, a prayer service, and a resource on ways to pray as a faithful citizenship. Lesson plans for elementary and high school students, and for adults. Simple, two-page handouts on important topics such as Conscience Formation, Civil Dialogue, and Contacting Your Elected Officials. Videos on Faithful Citizenship 101, civil dialogue, the call to participate, and other topics.
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	Important Upcoming Election Dates
	October 27: Early voting for the General Election begins statewide Counties may offer additional days of early voting, beginning as early as October 22. Check with your Supervisor of Elections for additional days of early voting that may be offered in your county. November 6: General Election Day!
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October 16, 2018

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Words of Wisdom

"In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation."

-- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, USCCB, No. 13

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