Voting: A Prescription for Healthier Communities

Authored by: Shree Manivel Art by: Stefanie Chen

In the United States, your zip code can predict your lifespan more accurately than your genetic code. But what if your voter registration card could be the key to changing that?

Regardless of political affiliation or whether an election is at the federal, state, or local level, research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between voter participation and community health outcomes. A comprehensive study by Brown et al. (2020) found that states with higher civic engagement tend to report better overall health outcomes [1]. Similarly, research by Hassell (2020) indicates that political participation is intrinsically linked to health outcomes across communities [2]. This relationship extends beyond mere correlation; areas with increased voter turnout often see improvements in various health indicators as a result of policy change, including better access to preventive care and lower mortality rates [2].

So what explains this strange, yet seemingly intuitive relationship? The link between voting and health is multifaceted. When communities actively participate in the democratic process, they are more likely to elect representatives who prioritize health-related initiatives and funding for pressing health concerns. In addition, candidates in politically active communities will be motivated to listen to and advocate for the health needs of the voting community. After all, when deciding upon policy priorities, candidates tend to prioritize the needs of constituents who have a demonstrated track record of showing up at the polls and influencing election outcomes. Moreover, the act of voting itself can be seen as a form of empowerment, potentially leading to increased health awareness and proactive health behaviors among individuals.

Perhaps most importantly, voter engagement does not just impact broad health metrics; it directly influences the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities. Yagoda (2019) highlights how increased civic participation can lead to policies that expand healthcare access, improve funding for community health centers, and address social determinants of health [3]. According to Yagoda, in areas with higher voter turnout, there is likely to be expanded Medicaid coverage, policies addressing health disparities, and increased funding for preventive care programs and public health campaigns. In other words, the simple act of voting creates a pipeline for health policy change that eventually translates into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and community well-being.

However, barriers to civic participation often affect the same communities that experience the most health disparities [4]. Research by Hassell (2020) found that obstacles to voting can exacerbate health inequities by reducing political participation among already marginalized groups [2]. Addressing these systemic barriers is crucial to fully realizing the health benefits of increased civic engagement. As such, efforts to improve community health must go hand-in-hand with initiatives to ensure equal access to the democratic process for all citizens.

To break down these barriers and strengthen the voting-health connection, several organizations have launched successful initiatives. VotER, a nonpartisan nonprofit, has helped register over 50,000 patients to vote through partnerships with hundreds of hospitals nationwide. Their “Healthy Democracy Kit,” as analyzed by Grade et al. (2023), provides healthcare providers with tools to facilitate voter registration during medical visits [5]. Similarly, the National Association of Community Health Centers has implemented voter registration programs in federally qualified health centers, reaching millions of underserved patients. These programs operate on the premise that healthcare institutions, as trusted community resources, are uniquely positioned to encourage civic engagement. By offering voter registration opportunities in waiting rooms or during check-ups, they make participation in democracy as routine as a health check-up.

As we look towards future elections, it's clear that the act of voting extends far beyond the ballot box. It's a vital tool for shaping our healthcare system, addressing health disparities, and improving community well-being. By recognizing and acting on the connection between civic engagement and health, we can work towards a healthier, more equitable society – one vote at a time.

Your vote could save more lives than a breakthrough drug or a new vaccine. It’s time we recognize the ballot as a powerful public health tool.

Works Cited

1. Brown, C. L., Raza, D., & Pinto, A. D. (2020). Voting, health and interventions in healthcare settings: a scoping review. Public Health Reviews, 41, 16.

2. Hassell, H. J. G. (2020). “There's a Lot More to It”: The Complex Relationship Between Health and Voting. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 45(4), 581-593.

3. Yagoda, N. (2019). Addressing health disparities through voter engagement. The Annals of Family Medicine, 17(5), 459-461.

4. Adler NE, Glymour MM, Fielding J. Addressing social determinants of health and health inequalities. JAMA. 2016. October 25;316(16):1641-1642.

5. Grade, M.M., Reardon, A.W.T., Ha, Y.P. et al. The Healthy Democracy Kit: design, implementation, uptake, and impact of a novel voter registration toolkit for healthcare settings. BMC Public Health 23, 962 (2023).