The Right to Vote and Make Our Voice Heard

A Word from Bishop Sanchez

Recent events have reminded us of the privilege we have of participating in the electoral process and exercising our right to vote. Many people are rightfully upset about the expansion of abortion made possible by the passage in New York State of the Reproductive Health Act.

Only five legislators from Brooklyn and Queens voted against the act: Senators Joseph Addabbo and Simcha Felder, and Assemblypersons Nicole Malliotakis, Simcha Eichenstein, and William Colton. Our local elected officials Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and Senator Toby Stavisky voted in favor of what has been termed a “malicious” act.

We encourage you to participate in our democratic process in the following ways:

(1) Write to Governor Andrew Cuomo and your local state senator and assemblyperson who voted for the legislation, in these or similar words:

“I am disappointed that you voted in favor of the recent Reproductive Health Act. The Act expands abortion in New York State, removes legal protection for babies who survive abortion, and decriminalizes acts of violence that intentionally target an unborn child. I call upon you to repeal this law in its entirety. (Signed your name)”

Please also write to thank Senator Addabbo and Assemblyperson Malliotakis for voting against the act.

(2) Sign up online at the Catholic Action Network (CAN) — part of the  New York State Catholic Conference at www.NYSCatholic.org — to receive notices and letters you can email automatically to your legislators and the governor. CAN will provide you with the name and address of your elected official based on your address.

(3) Register and vote in every election.

We encourage you to make your voice heard. May God continue to bless you!

Bishop Paul R. Sanchez
Father Francis J. Passenant
Father Antonin Kocurek
Father Joseph Cunningham
Deacon Greg Kandra
https://www.nyscatholic.org/nys-catholic-conference-action-center/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f62731%2fRespond%3fvvcgUT%3dWWY_cXtt6CgjfIwv3ccolw%26vvcgRD%3dB7NgEqBUFRBr5rP%26vvsbr%3ddILm4oNCef_8X7l2ycT2ig