As leading health organizations, we are committed to strengthening our democracy by encouraging nonpartisan voter participation across our memberships, employees, and affiliates.
We understand that when people vote they, their families, and their communities are healthier. Communities with high voter participation enjoy greater social cohesion and better health (from self-reported health to premature mortality). Research findings make it clear that voting participation matters for health. The Health & Democracy Index demonstrates that states with more inclusive voting policies and higher levels of voter participation enjoy better public health outcomes.
Despite applauded record voter participation, in 2020 a third of U.S. eligible voters did not cast a ballot and more than half of eligible voters did not vote in 2022. In addition, much of the population served by our health systems are among those most likely to face barriers when voting and are underrepresented at the ballot box. Perhaps most surprising and concerning is that healthcare workers themselves, including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and dentists are 12-23% less likely to vote than the general population.
The health sector has an opportunity and responsibility to make an impact on the health of our nation through promoting voting through its own ranks and for the population it serves. The health sector is the largest workforce and accounts for at least 22 million workers which represents about 14% of all workers in the United States. The health sector can play a powerful role in building the public understanding of the critical relationship between voting and health. The 2024 election will have lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Each of our organizations share a commitment to assuring health for all. We share the understanding that when people vote they, their families, and their communities are healthier. To achieve a healthy thriving community we must commit to an inclusive democracy where all people matter.
For more questions about the We Will Vote Initiative, contact
Healthy Democracy Healthy People.
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