Improve Your Community's Health!
Vote
Vote for candidates who support initiatives and policies that will help improve the health and wellbeing of all who live in your community.
Help family, friends, and neighbors to make a plan to vote and do it!
Consider running for office!
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to influence the policies that shape community health. Use this guide to make sure your vote is informed and counts.
Register to Vote
Pre-registration must be received 15 days before an election. Same-day registration is also available in person at your polling place on election day with proof of ID and residence.
Choose Your Voting Method
Absentee ballots let you research candidates while you fill out your ballot — a great option if you want more time to decide.
Research Candidates for Public Health
Ask candidates: How do you plan to…
- Address health disparities in underserved communities?
- Fund public health initiatives like prevention and education?
- Support preparedness for pandemics or emergencies?
- Improve access to healthy food in rural and low-income areas?
- Reduce environmental health risks like air and water pollution?
- Address rising housing costs and homelessness?
- Remove barriers to care — cost, transportation, provider shortages?
- Improve maternal mortality and infant health outcomes?
- Improve vaccination rates and combat misinformation?
- Reduce chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer?
- Reduce gun violence and other forms of violence?
Use these resources to dig into candidates' records, positions, voting history, and public statements before you fill out your ballot.
Every Level of Government Affects Your Health
No matter the election, there's always something at stake for public health. Start local — those decisions are closest to your daily life — and work your way up. Every level matters, and every race deserves your attention.
Vote!
Make a transportation plan. Check on friends, family, and neighbors who may need a ride. Help someone else make their plan too.
Voice
Speak up for health issues that affect the community by writing letters to local officials, attending town hall meetings, or joining advocacy groups focused on healthcare access, environmental health, or other relevant topics.
Advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity and address disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, income or other factors affecting access to healthcare and health outcomes.
Share accurate health information from credible sources with friends, family, and neighbors. Write pieces for local newspapers or share on social media.
Answer surveys for local health studies or research projects that aim to improve understanding of health issues affecting the community. These are often conducted by your county public health department, clinics, or universities.
Volunteer
Seek opportunities to represent your communities on civic boards or commissions – like the school board, park board, or human rights commission. These are the places where the decisions closest to our communities are made.
Offer time and skills to local organizations that focus on health-related activities such as community health fairs, vaccination drives, or health education programs.
Participate in local health-related events, fundraisers, or campaigns organized by community groups, places of worship, non-profits, or healthcare providers.
Start or join efforts to address specific health concerns in your neighborhood or community, such as safe playgrounds, strong schools, or better access to healthcare services.