Vote for Health on Election Day

What does it mean to vote for health?

When we vote, we are making decisions about the health of our loved ones, our home, and our planet.

Elections have an impact on our families and friends. During the pandemic, with widespread unemployment, it is more vital than ever to preserve health care coverage and access. Most of us probably know someone who has lost a job or is temporarily depending on a public service or program. Millions of people already rely on Medicaid and Medicare for their health care and other services.

Elections affect our communities. Even though 2020 is a presidential election year, it’s important to remember that elections have a lasting impact in your neighborhood as well. In many ways, elections determine the future of programs and services that support the health and well-being of your community.

Elections also affect the future of our shared global home, the Earth. Cleaner air and water are essential to public health and are closely tied to health equity. Data tell us that poorer, marginalized communities experience more harm from negative environmental factors than others. Voting can help ensure the future of health is inclusive, just and fair for all.

Here’s a quick checklist to get ready to vote.

• Use your voters’ pamphlet and other resources to decide what you want to support.
• Understand the role of various elected offices.
• Know the voting process and deadlines in your state.
• Check the location of your polling place or ballot dropbox.
• Plan to socially distance and wear a mask.
• Take the first step by going to providence.org/vote.

No matter where you live or how you choose to cast a ballot, make sure your vote matters. Don't let others decide for you what happens in your city and state.

Register to vote. Learn the issues. Make a plan. Then be an agent of social change and raise your voice for health!

Find more resources for how to vote in the election at providence.org/vote.

The Vote for Health campaign is an educational resource promoting civic engagement. The campaign in no way supports or opposes a particular candidate for public office or a particular party.

About the Author

Ali Santore is senior vice president of government affairs and social responsibility for Providence St. Joseph Health, a multi-state, not-for-profit health system committed to improving the health of the communities it serves, especially for those who are poor and vulnerable. In her role, Ali leads the development and execution of an integrated strategic approach to build healthier communities through public policy, stakeholder engagement, and socially responsible practices. This includes managing government affairs and advocacy operations across seven states and in Washington, D.C., as well as leading an environmental stewardship and energy management team to ensure alignment nationally while deepening structures that achieve measurable improvement in the system’s environmental footprint.

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