Vote for Public Health!
Public health is always on the ballot. Whether it is a local, state, or national issue, we know that elections shape our communities and the resources available to support health and thriving. Even the act of voting itself is linked to better health outcomes! While voting is just one form of civic engagement and social change work, it’s an important one with direct impacts on our communities.
Public Health Awakened members across the US have been meeting all year to reflect on this year’s election cycle, connect with and amplify other efforts to engage the health sector in voting, and create new opportunities for public health folks to make our voices heard in this election!
Check out the resources and action opportunities below from the member-led Public Health Awakened Election Workgroup and our partners.
We Will Vote: Member Stories
This video came from a partnership with Healthy Democracy Healthy People’s We Will Vote Initiative in 2024. We asked public health practitioners to submit videos to share why they’re voting and what “public health is on the ballot” means to them.
We Will Vote: Storytelling Toolkit
Personal stories are a powerful way to create change and support health sector voter participation. This toolkit will help you to share and record your stories about why democracy matters to you and the health of your community.
Follow @PHAwakened on Instagram
Follow Public Health Awakened on Instagram for election content, ways to take action, messaging on issues, and more!
Action Hour resources
We are hosting Action Hours leading up to the November election. Check out the slides from past Action Hours and join an upcoming Action Hour!
- June: Intro to the Election Workgroup
- July: John Lewis National Day of Commemoration and Action
- August: Our Story Matters: Supporting Civic Health with Your Own Voice
- October: Ballot Blitz - Register here for 10/8
Sign up to be a poll worker
Our democracy depends on everyday people to help elections run smoothly and make sure every vote is counted. Public Health Awakened is partnering with Power the Polls, a nonpartisan initiative that works directly with election administrators to identify needs for poll workers across the country.
5 Ways Health Departments Can Ensure Healthy Voting
(HIP 2022)
This 2022 resource from HIP gives concrete actions and strategies health departments can take to help ensure safe and healthy voting. Health departments have a critical role to play to ensure that all communities have a say in the conditions and decisions that impact their lives.
Prepare for election scenarios
(Choose Democracy)
This interactive pick-your-own-path resource from Choose Democracy, lets you explore different election scenarios, and think about your own actions before, during, and after the election.
Thrive Through Civic Health: We Will Vote
Public Health Awakened and Human Impact Partners are part of the We Will Vote initiative which aims to strengthen civic and voter participation across the health sector.