Faithful Citizenship
Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.
Our faith calls us to bring the Gospel into public life. Pray, form your conscience in the light of Church teaching, and make your plan to vote.
Key dates
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Oct19–30
Early votingVote at any early voting location in your county
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Oct23
Mail ballot application dueMust be received by your county, not postmarked
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Nov3
Election DayPolls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Jan12
90th Texas Legislature convenesRegular session begins in Austin, 2027
Living our Catholic values in public life
As Catholics, we are called to live our faith not only in our homes and parishes but also in the public square. Faithful citizenship means voting, taking part in civic life, advocating for justice and the common good, and for some, serving in public office.
The Church does not tell us whom to vote for. Instead, the bishops invite us to put faith before politics: to pray, to form our consciences according to Catholic teaching, and to bring the dignity of every human person into every decision we make as citizens.
Below you will find guidance from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) to help you prepare, vote and stay engaged long after Election Day.
The Church is present in the world as a sign of unity for the entire human family. … The Church actively participates in the processes by which society grows and is organized, and she offers her own contribution to the creation of a more just and fraternal society.
Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, no. 19Catholics Participate in Public Life
The U.S. bishops on why our faith calls us to take part in the life of our communities and our nation.
Video courtesy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Make your plan to vote
Four steps to be ready for the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting runs Oct. 19–30, and many counties offer weekend hours.
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Pray
Begin with prayer. The USCCB's Novena for Faithful Citizenship is a simple way to prepare your heart in the days before you vote.
Pray the novena -
Check your registration
Confirm that you are registered and that your address is current using the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal.
Am I registered? -
Know your ballot
Find out who represents you today, then review the races and propositions on your ballot before you go.
Who represents me? -
Find your polling place
Look up early voting and Election Day locations, and remember to bring an approved photo ID.
Visit VoteTexas.gov
Dates and hours can vary by county. Please confirm with your county elections office or VoteTexas.gov.
Form your conscience
Teaching documents and tools from the U.S. bishops to help you approach the public square with a faith-first lens.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
The U.S. bishops' guidance on the political responsibility of Catholics, offered to help the faithful form their consciences, contribute to civil and respectful dialogue, and make political choices in light of Church teaching.
Read the document → En españolFormando la Conciencia para ser Ciudadanos Fieles
El documento de los obispos de los Estados Unidos sobre la responsabilidad política de los católicos.
Leer el documento → USCCBFaith Before Politics
The bishops' hub for faithful citizenship, with videos from Archbishop Shelton Fabre and resources for every age.
Explore → Prayer · English & EspañolExamination of Conscience
Loving our neighbors in the public square: a reflection for before you vote.
Reflect → DialogueCivilize It
Tools for respectful conversations about politics with family, friends and neighbors.
Learn more →More resources from the U.S. bishops
Pray & learn
For your community
Stay engaged all year
Faithful citizenship is a way of life, not only something we do on Election Day. The 90th Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 12, 2027, and your voice matters in Austin.
Join the Texas Catholic Advocacy Network
TXCAN keeps Catholics across Texas informed on bills before the Legislature and makes it easy to contact your lawmakers when it matters.
- Legislative alerts and updates
- Ready-to-send messages to your legislators
- Invitations to Catholic Advocacy Day at the Capitol
Catholic Advocacy Day
Every legislative session, Catholics from across Texas gather in Austin to pray, meet with lawmakers and witness to the Church's teaching on life, dignity and the common good. Details for 2027 will be shared here.
For pastors, parishes and ministry leaders
Parishes and diocesan ministries may encourage voting, host nonpartisan registration drives and share Church teaching, but may not endorse or oppose candidates or parties. Review the guidelines before planning any election-season activity.