As we observe National Civic Health Month this August, we are reminded that the power of voting extends far beyond the ballot box. It is the foundation of a healthier and more equitable society. Civic Health Month is not just a time to reflect on the state of our democracy; it is a call to action—a time to connect the dots between civic engagement and the health of our communities.
Created to encourage healthcare professionals and organizations to actively promote voter participation, Civic Health Month underscores a fundamental truth: our health outcomes are intricately tied to our civic participation. When we vote, we shape policies that determine access to safe neighborhoods, quality education, economic opportunities, and the availability of healthy food and clean water. These are the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)—non-medical factors that profoundly influence our well-being.
For too long, historically disenfranchised communities have faced the dual challenge of lower voter turnout and poorer health outcomes. A study by the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute revealed that Latinos participated in the 2020 general election at lower rates than other groups. Yet, when registered, Latino voters cast their ballots.
Voting is not merely a civic duty; it is a vital tool for health advocacy. Take, for example, the pervasive health issues within the Latino community, such as diabetes and hypertension. These conditions are not just medical; they are social and deeply connected to factors like the availability of safe public spaces, nutritious food, and clean drinking water. These conditions are shaped by policies enacted by elected officials. By voting, we can elect leaders who prioritize the essential aspects of our lives, thereby directly influencing our health.
Research consistently shows that those who are more civically engaged enjoy better health outcomes. Conversely, marginalized communities, who often face barriers to voting, suffer from poorer health. This is where the My Vote. My Health. (MVMH™) or Mi Voto. Mi Salud. ™ campaign comes into play. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between civic engagement and health by empowering underrepresented communities to participate in the electoral process.
The California Secretary of State’s Office is deeply committed to facilitating civic engagement. Through voter outreach and education efforts like the Promote the Vote, Voters’ Choice Act Ambassadors Program, and/or the Students Vote Project (SVP), which amplifies the voices of college students, we aim to foster a culture of voting and civic responsibility. The MVMH™ campaign builds on this foundation, focusing on increasing voter participation by emphasizing the connection between civic engagement and health.
Funded by The California Endowment, MVMH™ is a comprehensive and non-partisan movement designed to increase electoral participation, particularly among low-propensity Latino voters. In collaboration with AltaMed Health Services and the California Primary Care Association (CPCA), MVMH™ is expanding statewide and engaging communities across Orange, Santa Clara, Sonoma, San Diego, Fresno, and Los Angeles counties.
This campaign is about more than just voting; it is about empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to exercise their rights and shape their destinies. The relationship between voting and health is clear: healthier communities are those where people are civically engaged. In March alone, the MVMH™ campaign reached over 220,000 health center patients, 10,000 staff members, and 140,000 voters through a network of trusted messengers and community health centers.
As we approach the November 5th General Election, there is still time to make a difference. Encourage your friends and family to check their voter status at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.
Remember, your vote is your voice—and your health. Use it to build the future you want to see.
For more information on My Vote. My Health.™, visit: www.myvotemyhealth.org/.
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. is the current California Secretary of State. Francisco J. Silva, Esq., is President and CEO of The California Primary Care Association
