Opinion: Registering voters at medical facilities would be a good Rx for democracy

Introduction

In a groundbreaking move aimed at strengthening democracy and fostering civic engagement, integrating voter registration into health care settings has emerged as a strategic initiative. This approach leverages the ubiquity of medical facilities, where patients already seek care and trust their healthcare providers. As two former secretaries of state and an emergency physician have witnessed firsthand, the intersection of health and civics presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between these two essential aspects of community life.

The Intersection of Health and Civics

Health care settings are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between health care and voter engagement. By integrating nonpartisan voter registration into health care, America can implement an elegant solution to strengthen democracy, empower patient voices, and improve public health outcomes. This intersection is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in the recognition that voting is a social determinant of health. The American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services all acknowledge that voting can significantly impact health outcomes.

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, commonly known as the Motor Voter Law, paved the way for voter registration drives in various public institutions. This law empowered organizations like state motor vehicle agencies, health care facilities treating Medicare and Medicaid patients, and nonprofit organizations to facilitate nonpartisan voter registration activities. By designating health care facilities as voter registration agencies, these institutions can distribute voter registration forms, offer assistance, and transmit completed forms to the appropriate state and local election officials.

Vot-ER: A Nonpartisan Initiative

One such initiative, Vot-ER, has been instrumental in transforming routine health care visits into opportunities for civic empowerment. Founded by Dr. Alister Martin, Vot-ER has partnered with over 700 health care institutions across the U.S. to provide resources and tools for voter registration and education. The organization's approach includes using staff badges with QR codes that direct patients to check their registration status, register to vote, or request an absentee ballot. This method not only makes voter registration more accessible but also underscores the integral role of health care professionals in promoting civic engagement.

Success Stories in Voter Registration

There have been several successful pilots and studies demonstrating the effectiveness of voter registration in health care settings. For instance, a 2014 study published in the Annals of Family Medicine reported positive outcomes from a nonpartisan voter registration drive in two federally qualified health centers in the Bronx, New York. Of the 128 patients eligible to vote but previously unregistered, 89% registered through the project. These results highlight the potential for health care institutions to significantly increase voter registration rates among historically underrepresented communities.

The Role of Federal Agencies

Federal agencies have also taken proactive steps to enhance voter registration access. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have made it easier for users of HealthCare.gov to access voter registration opportunities and connect with nonpartisan voter information. This initiative is a direct response to President Biden’s 2021 Executive Order on Promoting Voting Access. By integrating voter registration into health services, these agencies aim to foster a stronger, healthier community by promoting democratic participation and civic engagement.

Native American Communities and Voter Registration

The Indian Health Service (IHS) has also been working to improve voter registration access for Native Americans. Facilities in the Albuquerque, Navajo, and Phoenix Areas have been designated as voter registration agencies under the NVRA. These designations enable IHS facilities to distribute voter registration forms, offer assistance, and transmit completed forms to the appropriate state and local election officials. This targeted approach underscores the commitment to expanding access to the ballot box, particularly for communities that face significant barriers to voting.

Addressing Barriers to Voting

Voter registration barriers often disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including those in low-income communities and people of color. By integrating voter registration into health care settings, these barriers can be addressed in a meaningful way. Patients who are asked about voter registration during their visits report feeling more deeply cared about and supported in more ways than just their health. This approach not only helps eligible individuals register but also builds deeper trust between providers and patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, registering voters at medical facilities represents a powerful strategy for strengthening democracy and improving public health outcomes. By leveraging the trust and accessibility of health care settings, we can bridge the gap between health and civics. Initiatives like Vot-ER and federal agency efforts demonstrate the potential for widespread impact. As we move forward in promoting voter registration, it is essential to recognize the critical role of health care institutions in fostering inclusive democracy and addressing social determinants of health. By doing so, we can create a healthier and more engaged society, where every individual has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

References

1. ACLU Applauds Federal Agencies for Enhancing Access to Voter Registration. aclu.org.
2. The Growing Role of Health Care Settings in Voter Registration. cancertherapyadvisor.com.
3. The Leadership Conference Applauds HHS' Actions to Promote Voter Registration. civilrights.org.
4. Registering voters at medical facilities would be a good Rx for democracy. theweek.com.
5. Vot-ER: Home. vot-er.org.