With Pennsylvania’s general election approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Catholics throughout the Diocese of Allentown are encouraged to prepare thoughtfully and to vote. Participation in public life is an important responsibility of faithful citizenship, one that calls for prayer, reflection, and concern for the common good.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers guidance through its teaching document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) also has prepared a statement inviting voters to consider how proposed state legislation could affect human dignity, family life and the communities we share.
To help readers learn more before Election Day, the resources below include that PCC statement, candidate lists for races covering communities within the Diocese, and links to Catholic teaching and official election information. These nonpartisan resources are intended to encourage informed discernment, not to endorse any candidate or party.
Featured resource: “You Can Decide What Kind of Pennsylvania We Live in This November”
The PCC statement examines several issues before Pennsylvania lawmakers, including the protection of human life and support for families, educational choice and scholarship programs, and legislation concerning participation in school athletics. Its central invitation is simple: research the issues, pray, and vote with a well-formed conscience.
Read the full PCC statement, available in both mobile-friendly and printable versions.
Candidates running in the Diocese of Allentown
The PCC has compiled the candidates running for governor and lieutenant governor, the U.S. House, the Pennsylvania Senate, and the Pennsylvania House in districts that include part of the Diocese, with links to their campaign websites or social media pages where available. An asterisk (*) identifies an incumbent.
View the candidate lists, also available in both mobile-friendly and printable versions. The mobile-friendly version is designed for reading on a phone.
The lists cover U.S. House Districts 4, 6, 7 and 9; state Senate Districts 14, 16, 18, 24, 44 and 48; and state House Districts 5, 22, 99, 107, 116, 122–124, 126–138, 183 and 187. Only even-numbered state Senate districts are on the ballot this year. Not every district listed will appear on every voter’s ballot, and the lists are not a complete sample ballot; check with your county election office for the final ballot in your community.
Rules on phone use at polling places vary by county, so it’s a good idea to look over your races before you go.
Catholic teaching and official election information
- USCCB — Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (English and Spanish)
- Pennsylvania General Assembly — Find My Legislator
- U.S. House of Representatives — Find Your Representative
- Pennsylvania Department of State — election information and current dates
- Pennsylvania Department of State — check your voter registration
- Pennsylvania Department of State — mail-ballot information
Key dates
- Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5 p.m. - Deadline for county offices to receive mail-in or absentee ballot applications
- Tuesday, Nov. 3 - Election Day; polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8 p.m. - Deadline for county offices to receive completed mail ballots; a postmark alone is not sufficient
Readers should confirm current election information with the Pennsylvania Department of State and their county election office.
As the election approaches, Catholics are invited to pray for our communities, our Commonwealth and our nation, and for all who are called to public service.
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