Secrets of confessional and voting booth draw closer at ballot time

Published: 2004-10-29

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The secrets of the confessional and the voting booth are very close -- at least physically on Election Day. The reason: Many churches and church buildings across the United States serve as polling places. In a presidential election year in which the religious views and values of both candidates grew in importance and controversy, the use of churches indicates that religion and politics can mix smoothly when it comes to helping citizens exercise their right to vote. "We wanted to help the community and society," said Father Fernando Compaired, pastor of Mother of Our Redeemer Church in Miami, in recounting why three years ago the parish accepted a request from the Miami-Dade County Board of Elections that it be a polling place. His parish is in a newly developed part of northwest Miami. "We are a growing area. There are few places that can be used. There are no schools close by," said Father Compaired. Throughout the United States, churches and synagogues are used as polling places, especially where there are not enough public buildings to meet needs.

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