If I Voted

                “If I voted .”  This phrase pushes a hot button for me.  I recently read it as a response to a Facebook posting.  The post outlined his/her point of view and then concluded with, “If I voted.”  Maybe it was the time that I grew up (the Vietnam War was raging when I was in elementary school), or maybe it is the strong obligation to participate in our democracy that my parents instilled in me.  I don’t view voting as a choice.  (A personal fun fact -The only speeding ticket I received as a young adult was when I was driving to register to vote just two days before I left for college.)

As an American, I have always believed that it is my duty and obligation to prudently and justly review the candidates and issues and then vote.  Certainly, I’ve casted some ballots with more enthusiasm than others, but I have spoken through my vote.

At this point in my life, as a committed daughter of God, I believe even more strongly that it is my duty and obligation to vote.  God put me in Silver Spring, Maryland in 2012.  As His daughter, I have many duties and obligations that I will be held accountable for at the end of my life.  Participation as a citizen in our great nations is one of those duties. Voting is not an option for Christian men and women.

Today, it seems that people are looking for the perfect candidate.  The one that represents all of her/his values.  As a Catholic who believes in the teaching of the church, I will never come close to finding that person.  My values resonate with stands from both parties.  As a daughter of God, I must use the conscience that He has given me.  The one that He has formed in me to make the choices I believe are best for this country.

My family and I watched, “Man for All Seasons” last month.  It is the story of St. Thomas More.  He was a well loved father and husband and friend.  His imprisonment and execution were excruciating for his family and friends. The scene that struck me the most was when a friend of Thomas’ asked him to “just sign the paper” that recognized the King of England as the head of the church. Thomas stated that he couldn’t sign the paper because it would be against his conscience.  He asked his friend, “If I sign that paper, will you follow me to Hell.”

His choice was a dramatic one that is well known today, nearly 500 years later.  My choices at the polls may not be as dramatic as the choice facing St. Thomas, but it does have an element of similarity.  I need to be an informed voter, making my choices according to this conscience that the Lord has given to me. And I as a daughter of God, I don’t have the choice to say, “If I voted.”