Tag Archive for: Vote

Voting Matters

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REGISTER TO VOTE
VOTER EDUCATION

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE – OCT. 7


Why Vote?

Voting allows each of us to have a say in shaping the policies and future of our communities, cities, and country. When we vote, we select representatives who make key decisions that shape laws and policies affecting our daily lives. Voting is not only a right but also an essential part of being an engaged citizen.

Health Equity

At NOAH, we are committed to providing quality healthcare for everyone. Health equity means that all people—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, or location—have fair access to healthcare and the resources they need to achieve their highest potential for health.

Statistically, the populations that are farthest from achieving health equity are the populations who are underrepresented at the polls. Many don’t or cannot vote for a variety of reasons including:

  • Not registered or improperly registered to vote
  • Unable to form an opinion based on available information
  • Distrust in the system
  • Belief that one vote cannot make a difference

Historical Voting Data

Voter participation data is limited, however, using metrics from Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine’s Health Equity Tracker, we were able to compare number of votes and other variables in three ethnic groups for U.S. Citizens, age 18 and up living in Arizona.  

Population Eligible to Vote

This chart shows the number of people who are eligible to vote in these population groups.

Voting Population

Now, we can see the portion of each population that is voting.

Uninsured

Layering in the number of people who do not have health insurance we see a higher percentage of uninsured Hispanic and Latino individuals, but far fewer are voting. How might a proposition for affordable health insurance perform in this scenario?

Avoided Care Due to Cost

The same issue applies in this chart that shows the number of people in each population that avoided healthcare due to cost.

Poverty Level and Below

When we look at all these factors—voter turnout, uninsured rates, healthcare avoidance due to cost, and poverty—we see that many who are affected by these issues may not have their voices heard.

Poor Representation

While this is a small sample of health disparities and voting populations, it helps illustrate how the majority vote in this scenario may not fully represent the opinions of those who are impacted most.

A Make-Believe Election

Using some made-up data, let’s see how voter-participation shakes out in an election. For example, NOAH decides to add a desert animal to their pack and 100 people are eligible to vote. By viewing the expected votes on the left hand side of the graphic below, you can easily see the rattlesnake is the expected winner, but watch what happens as the votes are tallied:

Just Vote

Regardless of how you vote or what influences your choices, your vote is your chance to be heard.  As Thomas Jefferson once said,

“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

Thomas Jefferson

Every Vote Counts

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We are excited to partner with Vot-ER to promote the importance of voting! Vot-ER is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to integrating civil engagement into healthcare with one simple message:

“Voting is an important way to make your voice heard and influence government policies that affect our community.

Shape Your Community, Shape Your Health

The officials we vote into office make important decisions, like how much prescription drugs cost and whether we have access to fresh fruits and vegetables in our neighborhoods.

As voters, we can directly influence these policies and help shape the health of our community for generations to come.

You Don’t Have to be an Expert on Politics to Vote

Need help deciding who or what to vote for? Discuss with friends and family, search online for local voter guides, and read endorsements from news sources you trust.

Voting is important—but it doesn’t have to be a burden.

This is Your Community

You and your neighbors know best what your community needs to thrive. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived in your neighborhood all your life, your voice is needed in every election.”

Vot-ER.org

Who is Voting?

Non-Hispanic white people have a 71% share of votes across the country based on a study conducted by the Elect Project, a program administered by the University of Florida Department of Political Science. Further results from the 2020 presidential election cross-referenced with Census data indicate that 72% of people with education beyond high school voted, while 55% of people with a high school education voted, and only 40% of people with less than a high school education voted.

Statistically, minority populations with lower income levels, and less education are more prominent in medically underserved communities. As a result, we can presume that a large portion of our patients’ opinions are not being represented in government elections.

What We’re Doing

Over the next eight weeks, we will be encouraging every NOAH patient and employee to make sure they’re registered to vote and commit to voting in the November 8 election. This is a nonpartisan, unbiased effort meaning we don’t have any interest in how people vote – only that their vote is counted.

Register To Vote