Voting is Public Health: The Key to a Healthier Future

by Jon Scaccia August 26, 2024

In our bustling world, filled with health challenges ranging from pandemics to chronic diseases, one simple action can make a significant difference: voting. Yes, voting. It’s not just about selecting leaders; it’s about shaping the very policies that determine our health and well-being. The “Voting is Public Health” initiative by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) reveals the powerful connection between civic engagement and public health.

The Critical Link Between Voting and Health Outcomes

The relationship between voting and health might not be immediately obvious, but it’s profoundly impactful. When we vote, we influence public health policies that affect various critical areas, including healthcare access, reproductive rights, mental health services, climate change, gun violence, and LGBTQ rights. For instance, policies that promote affordable housing can reduce homelessness and related health issues. In contrast, education policies that enhance school funding can lead to better health education and outcomes for children.

Voting also plays a crucial role in health equity. Healthy democracies create conditions that reduce health disparities, improving overall societal well-being. By voting, citizens can support leaders and initiatives aimed at eliminating systemic barriers to health and well-being. Elected officials determine funding and support for public health infrastructure, which is critical for managing health crises like pandemics.

Why Public Health Professionals Should Care

Public health professionals are at the forefront of improving health outcomes, and their role in promoting civic engagement is vital. With approximately 22 million healthcare workers in the U.S., this workforce has the potential to leverage its influence to foster a more inclusive and representative democracy, thereby strengthening public health and enhancing the overall well-being of the population.

The academic public health community has a timely opportunity to spread awareness of the link between voting and health outcomes and encourage civic engagement within their networks. By recognizing and acting upon this critical connection, public health professionals can lead the charge in promoting civic engagement and advocating for policies that support healthy communities.

Actions Organizations Can Take

Organizations play a pivotal role in fostering environments that actively encourage and facilitate voter participation. Here are some strategies:

1. Voter Registration Drives: Partner with organizations like the Independent Sector and Nonprofit VOTE to conduct voter registration campaigns, especially in communities served by nonprofits.
2. Campus-Wide Initiatives: Work with universities to coordinate efforts to enhance voter registration and turnout, developing programs that educate individuals on the importance of voting.
3. Voter-Friendly Designation: Achieve recognition as a Voter Friendly Campus through partnerships with NASPA and the Fair Elections Center, highlighting a commitment to promoting voter engagement.
4. Time Off to Vote Policies: Provide employees with the time and flexibility to vote by establishing and promoting organizational Time Off to Vote policies.
5. Encourage Serving as Poll Workers: Sign up as poll workers to ensure local elections have enough capacity to operate smoothly.

These efforts ensure that organizations contribute to a healthy democracy by empowering individuals to participate in the electoral process.

Combating Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation, especially during election cycles, pose significant risks to democratic processes and public trust. Key concerns include eroding trust in elections, amplifying false claims, and impacting voter perception and behavior. Misinformation can lead to diminished trust among the public in the legitimacy of electoral outcomes, often exploited to justify stringent anti-voter laws that could suppress voter turnout.

Educational initiatives, prebunking techniques, and fact-checking services are crucial in combating misinformation. Programs like those from the News Literacy Project provide tools to discern fact from fiction, while AI and digital tools can detect deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. Through these strategies, we can enhance our collective ability to identify, debunk, and advocate against the spread of misinformation, fostering a more informed and engaged public.

The Impact of Voter Suppression

Voter suppression tactics reduce or discourage voting among certain demographics, undermining democracy. Efforts to counteract voter suppression include advocating for more accessible voting laws, educating the public about their voting rights, and supporting legislation that protects and expands voting access.

Key issues include:

• Voter ID Laws: Disproportionately affect minorities, the elderly, and low-income voters who may have more difficulty obtaining IDs.
• Purging of Voter Rolls: Removing voters from registration lists often without sufficient notice.
• Limited Polling Locations: Reducing the number of polling places, particularly in minority and low-income communities, leading to longer lines and wait times.
• Restrictions on Early Voting: Limiting early voting days and hours, making it harder for people with inflexible work schedules to vote.
• Mail-In Voting Restrictions: Imposing strict requirements on mail-in voting, leading to the rejection of valid ballots.

Join the Conversation

1. How do you think voting can directly impact your community’s health and well-being?
2. Have you experienced or observed any barriers to voting in your area? How did it affect your ability to vote?

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #VotingIsPublicHealth. Your voice matters!

Conclusion

Voting transcends mere political expression; it’s a vital tool for fostering a healthier, more equitable society. By participating in elections, citizens help shape policies that directly impact their communities’ health and well-being. Civic engagement is a cornerstone of public health advocacy, empowering individuals to influence decisions that create healthier environments. Remember, every vote counts in shaping a better future for public health.

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