Is Not Voting Considered A Sin?

[KarenJoanna]

If it is, is it mortal? I have read it is but I have never known by Church law if it is. I am asking this because of the fact that some candidates are not pro-life and if we don't vote against it, they may end up as presidents, so we would be participants in their sin?

[Theoketos]

It seems that in the American political context that our civic duty, especially as laity, includes voting. The duty seems weighty to me, but I could be wrong. There are certain times when not voting is also a good. 

 

Keep in mind, I did not vote in the last midterm primary election (August 2014 in Kansas) because it would require that I register as a Republican. This idea is repulsive to me for a number of reasons including their (read Cheney Rumsfeld etc) glib and giddy support of torture. I did this (rather did not vote and register) after much consideration for in my state and rural county most of the offices are going to be decided in the primary. There were no "issues" on the ballot either. 

But yes, for the sake of the unborn, be unabashed and prolific in voting pro life. There are usually politically oriented right for life groups which are good to follow even if they are far from infallible.