Democracy arguably has been our most important – and most ironic – export. Since World War II, Americans have shed blood, sweat and tears fighting for liberty and freedom for people in other countries. But so many of us take for granted our most important right in a democracy – the right to vote.
Sometimes we forget the advantage of being an American. Our electoral system may not be perfect. But even with the controversies about voter ID laws, negative ads and the like, the fact is that many people in other countries are jealous of us. As Americans, we can vote for the candidate of our choice without fear of repercussion.
Even some of the controversies have a positive side. If voting were not important, why would billionaires spend so much of their money trying to influence elections?
Yet, when it comes to voting, far too many of us are apathetic. We figure, “Why bother?” and we forget how many have sacrificed their lives for the right to vote – and not only in other countries; here, too.
Community health centers have been actively engaged in registering voters, and I sincerely hope that everyone who is eligible exercises their right to vote on Nov. 4, 2014.
If you’re wondering why a health-related organization like Piedmont Health is concerned about voting, you should understand that there is a connection between physical health and community health. Studies have shown that the healthiest communities have the highest rates of residents voting. We firmly believe that a community’s health can be positively influenced when more people vote. Taking part in the political process goes hand-in-hand with taking charge of one’s health.
It may be easier to envision the connection between physical and democratic health from a negative viewpoint. Think of the worst that can happen when apathy overtakes a community – crime, despair, economic disintegration. The poorest communities tend to have the worst health and the lowest voting rates. So by helping residents to engage in the political process, we believe that we are helping to put in place attitudes that cause a community to grow and flourish.
One thing that is important to state: Piedmont Health’s voter registration efforts are not partisan in any way. Our community health centers serve communities with a wide variety of political leanings. We serve three congressional districts – two Republicans and one Democrat – and we are proud to have equal support from all three, as well as from our Democratic and Republican U.S. Senators.
Anyone who truly believes in the importance of voting – especially in this increasingly purple state – should not and cannot be motivated by partisanship. We try to lead by example.