How voting can affect health and well-being

Health is not only affected by the medical care you receive. It is also affected by the factors that shape the physical and social environment you live in. Your government and the elected officials choose to represent you make policy decisions that impact your life every day. Thus, voting can impact your health and well-being.  Possible policies that voters and decision-makers help shape include:

• The expansion of public health insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid.
• Setting minimum wage to be a livable wage.
• Funding for affordable housing.
• Funding for public education.
• Access to reliable public transportation.
• An increase in police transparency to decrease police violence.

Research also shows that the relationship between health and voting is reciprocal.  The healthier you are, the more likely you are to vote. In turn, voting can help improve your physical and mental health as a result of feeling more active, engaged, and socially connected to others.

Vote early and by mail

With less than three weeks until the November 3^rd General Election, many have already cast their vote early by mail or ballot drop-box. This year, voters are not just casting their vote for the presidential race, but will consider dozens of candidates and twelve ballot propositions that will have significant impacts on our state and local communities.

In light of the pandemic, voters are encouraged to vote early and by mail when possible, which can help keep themselves safe and healthy. Ballots must be postmarked by November 3, 2020 and do not require return postage; ballots returned at a secure ballot drop-box must be deposited no later than 8 pm November 3, 2020. Voters can also vote in-person at any vote center.

To make sure you are vote-ready this election season:

• Register to vote no later than October 19.
• Check your voter registration status to make sure it is up to date.
• Research the candidates and measures on your ballot.
• Vote early and track the status of your ballot.

Our vote has a tremendous effect on our daily lives. It will not only help decide who is elected as our next President, but will shape the health and safety of our state and local communities, neighborhoods, and schools.

Have questions or curious to learn more about AACI services?  Please reach out to our Health Center and make an appointment to speak with a doctor.  AACI provides services in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and many other languages. Call (408) 975-2763 to schedule your appointment today!