By the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
You Can Decide What Kind of Pennsylvania We Live in This November
“…the voice of the Church has every right to be heard in the public square. By its nature, it possesses a prophetic authority. Even if it is not always understood, her voice is nonetheless needed. Even when her teaching is not followed, particularly on essential questions touching the foundations of civilization, it remains necessary. Do not doubt this.” – Pope Leo XIV
CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FAITHFUL
For Catholics, voting with a formed conscience is critical to ensuring that public policies are enacted to protect and preserve all human life with dignity from natural conception to natural death, educational liberties, the family, and the common good.
Faithful citizens share a common responsibility to learn how candidates’ positions impact these critical issues. Undoubtedly, there are many matters at the national level of concern to Catholic voters such as just immigration policy and ongoing conflict in the middle east that demand our attention and require us to make our voices heard.
The purpose of this document is to outline the many state level bills introduced this legislative session alone that would dramatically impact Pennsylvania and all those who call our Commonwealth home. Casting votes with formed consciences in our state level elections is critical.
DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IN A PENNSYLVANIA WHERE THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE IS RESPECTED OR WHERE THIS PRECIOUS GIFT IS CAST ASIDE?
Abortion remains a critical legislative issue in Pennsylvania, since it involves the enabling of the deliberate termination of the lives of children in the womb. The State Courts are still hearing appeals in Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This case could result in a constitutionally enshrined taxpayer-funded abortions and the removal of limitations of any kind on abortions up to the moment of birth. Less than a year ago, legislation passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (HB 1957) that calls for a constitutional amendment allowing abortion until birth. To date, the Pennsylvania Senate has not brought this bill up for a vote.
There are other issues to consider as well, including support for pregnancy resource centers, maternal and infant support, adoption services, housing and food insecurity relief, and financial assistance for impoverished families.
DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IN A PENNSYLVANIA WHERE FAMILIES MAINTAIN THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE THE BEST EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN OR WHERE OBSTACLES PREVENT PARENTS FROM DOING SO?
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program supports school choice and is critical to the continued existence of Catholic schools while simultaneously benefiting public school students. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed legislation (HB 2632). If enacted into law, this bill would negatively impact tens of thousands of students across Pennsylvania who currently rely on these scholarship programs. EITC and OSTC scholarships are funded by companies and individuals who see value in providing families with educational choice. These programs are vibrant, successful, and reduce taxpayer burdens when it comes to educating our young people, particularly those who come from challenging financial circumstances and live in underserved communities.
Parents should have the ability to choose the educational environment that best suits the needs of their children. These programs are vital. The Pennsylvania Senate has not voted on this bill.
DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IN A PENNSYLVANIA WHERE CHILDREN CAN SAFELY PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS?
Pennsylvania legislators continue to debate policies concerning biological male participation in school athletic programs designated for females. The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation (SB 1293) that would restrict biological males from playing on girls’ sports teams. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has not voted on this legislation.
YOU CAN DECIDE WHAT KIND OF PENNSYLVANIA WE LIVE IN.
The examples above are just a few of the state legislative efforts that could have a dramatic impact on our state. There are countless more. Throughout the year, the faithful are called to research and prayerfully discern how legislation will affect our communities. This November, it is critical to determine which candidates embrace the vision of a Pennsylvania that is true to its founding roots—one whose laws respect the life and dignity of all and preserve our religious liberties so that we can continue to raise our families and publicly live out our faith as beacons of compassion and hope.
RESEARCH • PRAY • VOTE
Here are some suggested steps to take in the lead-up to the election: ✓ Register to vote by the deadline of October 19 ✓ Learn about Catholic teaching and what it means to vote with a formed conscience and voter resources. ✓ Research candidates’ stated positions. See who is running in your area and start researching their positions here. [Dioceses can insert a link to additional materials from PCC listing candidates and their campaign websites] ✓ Examine their voting records. You can start with the state legislative website here. ✓ Pray and reflect.
Vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• Nonpartisan civic information • Please verify current election information with Pennsylvania election officials.