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As we approach election day, I want to encourage all Californians, but especially those who feel that they are not well served by our current health care system, to exercise their right to vote. This includes our neighbors who earn low incomes, as well as Californians of color, immigrant populations, and the LQBTQ+ community, who all continue to face discrimination and unique barriers to care.
Participating in elections gives us a voice in shaping policies that affect our lives. It gives us the power to elect leaders who will prioritize expanding coverage and addressing health inequities. When more people vote, it leads to a more representative democracy that can better address the diverse health needs of all Californians.
It’s not surprising that civic engagement, including voting, is associated with better health. Voters rate their health as better than non-voters, even after accounting for socioeconomic and demographic variables. Communities with higher voter turnout have more desirable public health outcomes. Voting has been linked to improved mental health, increased social connections, and greater community investment in public health resources.
Simply put, voting is good for your health, which is why more and more doctors and health care organizations are encouraging their patients to do it. Vot-ER and AltaMed’s My Health. My Vote™ are two great examples of initiatives that encourage this.
Whether at the local, state, or federal level, this year’s elections will have consequences for Californians and their health care. For one thing, the presidential candidates propose starkly different priorities for Medicaid. What’s more, actions in the current and next sessions of Congress will determine if hundreds of thousands of Californians see a steep rise in their premiums for coverage purchased through Covered California.
Will our next president support an inclusive and compassionate society for immigrants that values their contributions and protects their access to health care and other vital services? Or will we have an administration that sows distrust and fear of and within our immigrant communities? These questions loom large in California, where almost half of all children have at least one immigrant parent.
So, vote this year — for your health, your community’s health, and the health of our nation’s democracy.
Resources on Voting from the California Secretary of State (available in various languages)
Am I registered to vote? Where’s my ballot? You can look up your voter registration status and the status of your ballot here: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/
How do I vote early? Where can I drop my ballot? Any registered voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot. Look up your nearest ballot drop-off location here: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/
I missed the October 21 deadline to register to vote. Can I still vote? Yes!: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg.
Voter hotlines in numerous languages can offer additional help: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/voter-hotlines.
