Bishop Earl K. Fernandes has advised that it is permissible to encourage parishioners to vote, "YES" on Issue 1 at the special election on August 8^th, 2023. Issue 1 asks voters if Ohio should “Require that any proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio receive the approval of at least 60 percent of eligible voters voting on the proposed amendment.” This would be the quickest way to defeat the abortion amendment working its way toward the polls in November. 

If you'd like to read the Issue 1 language, it can be found below.

Read the ballot language

Additionally, Bishop Fernandes wrote a letter to the laity that was posted in the Catholic Times' last edition. The letter discusses our responsibilities as Catholics in the upcoming election(s). 

Read the Letter