Question: In the Catechism of the Catholic Church it states that it is morally obligatory to exercise the right to vote. But this seems false since for most of history there have been no systems of voting and, even today, there are many who cannot vote. How can the Catechism claim that voting is a moral obligation?
— Jenna O’Neil (from the book “Catholic and Curious,” OSV $20.95)
Answer: The part of the Catechism you reference reads as follows: “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country” (2240). This delineation of duties takes place in a section that also mentions other duties, such as the duty to collaborate with and justly criticize those in authority, exercise solidarity with other citizens on matters of importance, have grateful charity and proper patriotism for one’s country, and to work for the common good.
The Catechism speaks to the worldwide audience wherein people live under different forms of government. Further, as you note, it speaks out of a long historical tradition that transcends merely modern forms of government. As such, its principles should be understood in the general manner in which they are stated. The principles must be adapted to specific situations.
To speak of a moral obligation to “exercise one’s right to vote” presupposes that one has a right to vote. The Catechism does not and cannot impose an obligation on those who have no right vote.
Further, the moral obligations specified in this section of the Catechism, while generally binding, are not absolute. For example, the general obligation to participate in the defense of one’s country might be overruled or ameliorated if the engaged war is an unjust one. We should generally observe civil laws, but not when they are unjust or contrary to God’s law. If, for instance, due to social unrest and threats of violence one cannot reasonably vote without grave risk, they are morally excused. Not every moral obligation is absolute.
