The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will publish its first ever Municipal Voters Guide tomorrow, May 6, 1999, in the Archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard and Times. The Voters Guide will include responses to specific questions asked of Philadelphia mayoral candidates, At-Large City Council candidates, and District City Council candidates.

Responses were solicited from 70 candidates. Thirty-four candidates responded, including five of the seven mayoral candidates. Questions posed to the candidates cover a wide range of moral issues, including education, "same-sex" marriage, needle-exchange programs, and abortion. The process of soliciting responses, compiling and distributing the Voters Guide is consistent with what the Archdiocese has done with previous Voters Guides.

The primary election will be held May 18, 1999. The Voters Guide will be sent to the 80,000 subscribers of the Archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard and Times, as well as made available to the pastors of each of the 121 parishes in the city of Philadelphia.

Prior to the November election, the Archdiocese will publish an updated Voters Guide. At that time, the Archdiocese contact candidates who did not respond to the questionnaire and provide them with the opportunity to respond. Candidates who did respond will be given the opportunity to update their answers.

###

Editor's Note: Reporters wishing to obtain a copy of the Voters Guide should contact the Office for Communications at 215-587-3747. Copies may be picked up on Thursday, upon prior arrangement, at the Archdiocesan Office Center at 222 N. 17th Street or we will mail them to your newsroom upon request.

Contact
Cathy Rossi
Communications Director
215-587-3747