By Dominique Severa
Voting for Health Equity: Your Voice Matters!
From the suffragettes fighting for women’s rights to the civil rights movement pushing for equal access, the journey to the ballot box has been filled with challenges. The history of voting in the United States has been marked by a gradual expansion of rights and access. Several bills were enacted over time to expand voting rights to all citizens, such as the 15th Amendment in 1870 which gave Black men the right to vote, and the 19th Amendment in 1920 which gave women the right to vote (1,3). However, it wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that many individuals, particularly Black Americans in the South, were able to exercise their right to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark legislation that focused on eliminating racial discrimination in voting practices, ensuring greater access for all citizens (2). Over time, these changes have shaped the democratic process, making it more inclusive. However, challenges remain today in ensuring fair access to the ballot. Many historically marginalized communities still face significant barriers to exercising their right to vote. Voter ID laws, gerrymandering, misinformation, and limited access to polling places can disproportionately affect low-income individuals and people of color (3,4).
The Role of Voting in Shaping Health Policies
As the 2024 federal and local elections approach, it’s important to recognize the impact that voting has on advancing health equity. Health equity ensures that everyone can “achieve their highest level of health,” regardless of social, economic, or environmental factors. It seeks to eliminate barriers that historically marginalized groups face in accessing healthcare and achieving optimal health outcomes (5). Health disparities are not just statistics; they reflect real lives affected by systemic inequalities. Voting is a key tool for promoting health equity, as it empowers individuals and communities to influence the policies that affect their health and well-being. By participating in elections, individuals can advocate for elected officials and legislative changes that address social determinants of health—such as access to quality healthcare and education, as well as safe, affordable housing—that disproportionately impact their communities. Elected officials who prioritize improving health equity in the communities they represent can help dismantle systemic barriers and direct resources where they are most needed. Ultimately, voting is not just about choosing representatives; it’s about ensuring that your voice is heard and every community has the chance to reach its full potential.
Mobilizing for Health Equity Through Voting
Going into this election cycle, it’s essential to mobilize efforts to increase voter participation, particularly among underserved communities. Community organizations play a vital role in this process by providing voter education, registration drives, and resources to help individuals and communities navigate the voting process. Initiatives that focus on increasing awareness about the impact of voting on health equity and that provide resources and funding can empower communities to mobilize in ways that are impactful to them. Grassroots campaigns created by the community for the community to increase voting have been shown to motivate voters in those communities to engage in the electoral process (6). Here are some steps that both individuals and organizations can take:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about voting by visiting your local or state government’s website, the candidate’s official websites, and voter guides such as gov/voter-research. Pass along this information to friends and family and share the importance of voting.
- Engage with Your Community: Partner with local organizations focused on health equity to promote voter registration drives and informational sessions about the voting process.
- Advocate for Accessible Voting: Support initiatives that aim to reduce barriers to voting, such as expanding polling places or advocating for mail-in voting options.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming election on November 5th presents an opportunity to shape the future of our communities. As voters, it’s important to get informed about candidates and ballot measures. Your vote matters. It is an opportunity to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the chance to achieve their highest level of health. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable society for all!
Important Dates:
- Early voting in Nevada – Saturday, October 19 to Friday, November 1.
- Election Day – Tuesday, November 5th
Voter Registration Deadlines:
- In-person registration deadline – Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Resources:
- 2024 Election Information – Nevada
- Register to Vote in Nevada
- Nevada Polling Locations by County
- Confirm your Voter Registration Status – Nevada
- Glossaries of Election Terminology (Available in multiple languages)
- Video: What is Gerrymandering? Or Gerrymandering Explained
For even more voting information, visit:
- USA.gov – Want to understand how elections work? More information about state and local elections, and guides to how, when, and where to vote.
- Vote.gov – Discover information for registering and voting as a college student, new U.S citizen, while unhoused, and with a disability.
- EAC.gov – Explore how to become a poll worker, frequently asked questions, and how your vote is safe and secure.
- Aiken, J. R., Salmon, E. D., & Hanges, P. J. (2013). The origins and legacy of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Journal of Business and Psychology, 28(4), 383–399. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-013-9291-z
- National Archives (2022). Voting Rights Act (1965). https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act
- Bergman, R. (2023). Equitable Access to Voting Practices in Marginalized Communities. https://doi.org/10.33015/dominican.edu/2023.CASC.ST.01
- Vij, S. (2020, June 25). Why minority voters have a lower voter turnout: An analysis of current restrictions. americanbar.org. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/voting-in-2020/why-minority-voters-have-a-lower-voter-turnout/
- Gómez, C. A., Kleinman, D. V., Pronk, N., Gordon, G. L. W., Ochiai, E., Blakey, C., Johnson, A., & Brewer, K. H. (2021). Addressing health equity and social Determinants of Health through Healthy People 2030. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 27(Supplement 6), S249–S257. https://doi.org/10.1097/phh.0000000000001297
- Gill, M., Gronowski, B., Moon, E., Devine, C., Holtorf, M., & Wright, B. (2023). Investing in community power building to increase civic engagement through voting: lessons from the Building Healthy Communities initiative. Journal of Community Practice, 31(2), 174–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2023.2217160