As I’m driving around town with my daughter, we can’t help but notice all of the campaign yard signs on all of the streets, sidewalks, and intersections. It is the telltale sign that we are getting closer to election day. This is an exciting time because it gives voters the opportunity to hire and fire our elected officials based on their record, values, and political agendas. It is also when I get nervous about making the wrong decision, much like most employment decisions. I am particularly nervous about the local elections that I know are most likely to determine my daughter’s, mother’s, sister’s, and my own rights, opportunities, and day-to-day experiences. Construction, gentrification, property taxes, schools, environmental protections, access to green spaces, highway traffic, and all the rest.
Like many others, when it comes to the names on signs for Mayor, City Council, School Board, Superintendent, US House of Representatives, and so many more, I draw a blank. I scratch my head and wonder who is making these tough decisions in my local community. In the past, I’ve taken the word of poll greeters who represent organizations that I usually politically align with… but now I think, “What if they’re wrong?”
I started looking around the Internet and found a lot of information about how to prepare for early voting. The first thing that stops me dead in my tracks is making sure my driver’s license is an acceptable form of ID for voting. I scroll through Instagram and see all of the posts about states purging voter registration, so I have to check to be sure that my registration is still valid. I also need to confirm who and what’s on my ballot to know who is running for office.
As I got my ballot, I asked myself, “Who are these people? What are their records, values, and political agendas? How do I know if they are going to work for me, my family, and our future? How do I know if they are likely to support health equity, social justice, and human rights?
So many questions, so little time… which is why I imagine that “healthcare workers including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and dentists are 12-23% less likely to vote than the general population.” Our colleagues are often too busy, overwhelmed, checked out, or just dependent on the votes of others to get involved in shaping our government, laws, policies, and practices that shape our health system. After talking with colleagues at Narratives for Health, I also learned that the healthcare sector is the “largest workforce and accounts for at least 22 million workers which represents about 14% of all workers in the United States.” There are a lot of voices that are not being heard at the local, state, or federal level. 😱
I turn to my local Democratic Precinct chair, who happens to be my Mom, and I learn about some easier ways to learn more about who’s going to be on our ballot. The main thing that I’m looking for, even as a Democratic-leaning voter, is to have a nonpartisan, facts-first, source tell me about the candidates and measures on my ballot. I do a quick google search, browse some sources, and land on VoteSmart.org. The name alone got me, but the point is that they are a nonpartisan source that provides bios, voting record data, ratings, and endorsements on everything from abortion, environment, senior citizens, and so much more. Be sure to check them out to learn how to make an easier and more informed voting decision this year and move in the right direction.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay informed and make our voices count. Use the resources available to research the issues on your ballot and vote for leaders and policies that prioritize health equity and justice. Your vote is your voice, and together, we can create healthier, more equitable communities.
Let’s come together and vote like our future depends on it—because it does.
