Local Elections – Voting with a Formed Conscience
With the local elections now approaching on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, many parishioners will already be considering how they intend to vote.
The Church does not endorse political parties or candidates. Rather, she encourages each of the faithful to approach public life with a well-formed conscience, seeking the common good and the dignity of every person.
Local elections affect the daily life of our communities in very practical ways: service delivery, roads, water and electricity infrastructure, refuse collection, public spaces, housing, safety, and care for the most vulnerable. For this reason, it is important to consider carefully the character, priorities, and policies of those seeking office.
Among the questions Catholics might reflect upon are:
• How are the poor and vulnerable treated?
• Is there evidence of honesty and integrity?
• Is there a commitment to responsibility and good governance?
• Will this contribute to the flourishing of the wider community?
As the Catechism teaches, “as far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (CCC 1915). In our own context, the Pastoral Plan of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference highlights the importance of responsible civic engagement and participation in society.
Voting is not only a political act. In a quiet but important way, it is also a contribution to the common good.
This week:
Take some time to reflect prayerfully on the responsibilities of citizenship and participation in public life.