When people contribute to the safety, well-being, and resilience of their communities, they are participating in something bigger than themselves; they are working toward a society that reflects their goals and values. Civic engagement — the actions carried out by residents to improve the quality of life in their communities — shapes health outcomes. Civically engaged community members enjoy boosts to their mental wellness and greater social connectedness, among other benefits. Voting and public health are inextricably linked.

County officials have deep ties across their communities, making them integral in setting the tone for civic engagement. Their influence goes a long way in promoting stronger, healthier communities, during election cycles and beyond.

Voting is a Matter of Public Health

Voting is one of the most powerful forms of civic engagement to drive community health improvements. As we near the 2024 U.S. presidential election, we are reminded of just how much voting matters to health. Voting puts critical policy decisions in the hands of people who are most affected by these choices, many of which have implications for public health. For example, a jurisdiction may vote on whether to implement policies for complete streets or healthy rental housing. These policies can impact generations of residents.

As the Health & Democracy Index shows, greater voting access and civic participation corresponds with better health outcomes. County officials can support residents in making their voices heard, considering how longstanding inequities have affected voting patterns. Decades of racist policies have barred many people of color and other historically marginalized groups from full participation in voting. Collaborating with non-partisan entities like health departments and community-based organizations serving underrepresented groups gives county officials insight into why voting access, education, or enthusiasm may be lacking among certain communities.

Conversations around voting can be especially fraught in presidential election cycles, pitting red versus blue voters. But research shows that concerns about many public health issues, from mental health to COVID safety, are shared by people across the political spectrum. County officials can help to steer conversations away from partisan divides to focus on joining people of all backgrounds. Rallying around improvements to community health is a unifying goal, regardless of political party affiliation.

Read the full article about voting and public health by Julia Haskins at National Association of Counties.