Vote: Your Health and Your Patients’ Health Depend on It

As we approach the upcoming election, it is crucial to recognize the deep and enduring connection between voting, public health, healthcare, and health equity.

According to Healthy Democracy Healthy People’s Health & Democracy Index, states with more inclusive voting policies tend to have better health outcomes. Simply put, a healthy democracy is strongly correlated with healthy people.

Yet, in 2020, only about two-thirds of eligible voters exercised their right to vote. And surprisingly, physicians and other healthcare providers are significantly less likely to vote than the general public, according to a University of Michigan study.

As the dean of one of the nation’s leading schools of public health, and the executive director at a nonpartisan initiative committed to strengthening our capacity to realize health equity by advancing a healthy democracy and promoting voter participation, we have seen first-hand the power of civic engagement to improve the health of all communities.

Health and democracy are inextricably linked. The decisions made by our elected officials — concerning healthcare access, environmental protections, housing policies, education, access to healthy foods, and economic opportunities — have profound implications for community health outcomes. When you vote, you have the power to shape policies that can lead to healthier, more equitable communities for yourself and your patients.

Evidence supports the idea that policies informed by public health principles can make a tangible difference. For example, investments in preventive healthcare, clean air and water standards, equitable housing, and education can reduce the burden of chronic diseases, lower healthcare costs, and improve quality of life.

The act of voting is not merely about selecting leaders. It necessitates educating ourselves about the myriad issues and candidates on the ballot. This includes local elections, which often have the most immediate impact on our day-to-day lives and are a core part of the fabric that shapes our broader public health landscape. Yet, these elections are unfortunately overshadowed by national politics quite frequently.

A growing body of research supports a link between greater civic participation and better community health. When more people are engaged in the electoral process, the resulting policies are more reflective of the needs of the entire population. This inclusive approach leads to more equitable and effective health solutions. Similarly, when people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbors, they feel valued and are more likely to vote. Healthy communities vote at higher rates.

As we gear up for November 5, we urge you to engage deeply in the democratic process. Educate yourself about the candidates and issues at every level of the ballot. Consider how various policies and elected officials will affect you, your patients, public health, and health equity. Your vote is your voice in creating a healthier, more just society.

Health equity, in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health, hinges on individuals’ ability to have a voice in the policies that affect their lives.

We view health as a human right. So voting is not just a civic duty. Your health — and your patients’ health — depends on it.

F. DuBois Bowman, PhD, is a statistician, a professor of biostatistics, and dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Jeanne Ayers, RN, MPH, is founder and executive director at Healthy Democracy Healthy People. Opinions expressed are the authors’ alone, and do not necessarily represent views or opinions of the authors’ employers or affiliates.