Vote for Public Health

An election day guide from your epidemiologist mama

Tuesday, November 8th is election day.

And this is a friendly reminder that your vote counts.

If you are like me and you did not vote early or by mail, be sure to make a plan and get to the polls on Tuesday morning. I will be at the polls around 4 pm.

Don’t forget to grab your I Voted sticker and be sure to take a selfie after you have voted.

Before you head to the polls on Tuesday, please consider the fact that who you vote for will have an impact on your community’s health.

Who you vote for will impact everything from your access to healthcare and the amount of money given to public health agencies to prepare for the next emergency.

I highly recommend checking out healthyvoting.org — this website provides specific (based on where you live/vote) guidance based on advice from leading public health experts. It is designed to help you determine who to vote for in order to create healthy communities for all.

Check it out now — healthyvoting.org.

If you are planning to vote in person on Tuesday, be sure to take your photo ID. And in order to prevent the spread of flu, COVID, RSV, or any other virus, I recommend —

1. Voting at off times to avoid crowds.

2. Wear a mask.
   **But be sure to smile with your eyes at the volunteers working the polls

3. Wash your hands with soap and water after you’ve voted.

Yes, we CAN do it! Let’s make our voices heard this Election Day. Public health will not be silenced. Join me in speaking for health this Election Day. ~APHA

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Couple of fun facts about voting and health —

Did you know…???

The American Medical Association has declared VOTING to be a social determinant of health, one of many non-medical factors that affect the health and well-being of individuals and their communities. Additionally, gerrymandering limits access to healthcare and leads to worse health outcomes.

And did you know…???

Communities with high voter turnout have better community health. And that across history and research voting has been associated with healthier communities. Specifically, women’s suffrage decreased child mortality by 8-15%. And the Voting Rights Act reduced economic inequalities and increased health spending throughout the United States. There is also evidence that voting is associated with improved mental health and reduced rates of cancer.

Be sure to vote on Tuesday!

And please share this post with others. We all need to vote for public health.