Connecticut: Remember to Vote for Health Equity  

Connecticut: Remember to Vote for Health Equity  

With the November elections just around the corner, it’s crucial to reflect on why voting matters—especially when advancing health equity in Connecticut. Health and civic engagement are deeply connected, and research consistently shows that voting is a powerful way to influence the policies that shape our health and well-being.¹ 

The Link Between Voting and Health 

The connection between voting and health runs in both directions. Healthier individuals and communities are often more engaged in civic activities, including voting.² In turn, higher civic participation leads to policies that support better health outcomes.³  Voting is not just about choosing candidates; it’s about choosing the kind of society we want to live in—one where everyone has access to the resources we need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. 

Voting to Shape Systems That Impact Health 

Many factors that determine our health—like access to quality health care, safe housing, and good education—are influenced by systems that may feel beyond our control. However, these systems are shaped by the policies that elected officials create. As a result, voting is a powerful tool for influencing those policies and holding leaders accountable to our communities. It’s a direct way to advocate for the changes we need in health care, housing, public safety, and education—all of which play a major role in health equity. 

In Connecticut, health disparities persist, especially among residents with lower incomes who are Black and Hispanic.⁴ Addressing these disparities requires leaders committed to health equity and willing to push for policies that close the gap. By voting, you’re ensuring that those leaders are in place, making decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of everyone. 

Become a Health Equity Voter 

When we vote, we’re not just participating in a political process; we’re shaping the future of our communities. Your vote is a tool to ensure that health equity remains at the forefront of public policy decisions.⁵  With the right leaders in office, we can advocate for policies that expand access to health care, improve public health infrastructure, and address the social determinants of health—things like reproductive health care, Medicaid expansion, and clean air laws—that create healthier environments for everyone. ⁶ 

As a health equity voter, you can take action this election season to prioritize health equity and health care in Connecticut. Here’s how you can make a difference: 

• LEARN the candidates’ positions on health equity issues. Research their platforms and track records on health care policies, ensuring they align with your values. 

• RAISE HEALTH EQUITY at candidate forums. Ask questions that push candidates to clarify their stance on health care access, health disparities, and policies that will improve the well-being of all communities. 

• ENGAGE other voters. Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to take action and vote for candidates committed to health equity. 

Together, we can build a movement of health equity voters that holds leaders accountable and ensures that Connecticut’s policies prioritize the health and well-being of every community. 

November is Our Chance 

As we approach the November elections, remember the power you hold in shaping the health of your community. Elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels play a key role in determining the policies that impact health care, housing, and education across the state. By voting, you can make sure that these policies promote health equity and support the well-being of all Connecticut residents. 

For the first time, Connecticut offers early voting, making it more convenient to get out and have your voice heard! You can cast your early voting ballot from now until November 3^rd. While mail registration closes on October 18th, you can still register to vote in person at your town’s clerk up until Election Day. Voting is more than a civic duty—it’s a powerful way to create a healthier, more equitable Connecticut. 

Learn when and how to vote in CT here. 

Reference List 

1. Castrucci, B. C., Ayers, J., & Mahs, G. R. (2024). Voter participation is a path to health equity: How health departments can promote a healthy, inclusive democracy. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 30(2), 306–307. https://doi.org/10.1097/phh.0000000000001886  

2. Kim, S., Kim, C. y., You, M. S. (2015). Civic Participation and Self-rated Health: A Cross-national Multi-level Analysis Using the World Value Survey. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 48(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.14.031  

3. Alberti, P. M., Alvarado, C. S., & Pierce, H. H. (2022, September 26). Civic engagement: A vital sign of Health and Democracy. Center For Health Justice. https://www.aamchealthjustice.org/news/polling/civic-engagement      

4. Marin, G., Abbas, M., & Charmchi Goodwin, P. (2023, May). Understanding racial inequities through data. Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health. https://wp.cga.ct.gov/creph/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-Data-Report-Binder-Updated-June-2023.pdf  

5. Ayers, J. F., Mahs, G., & Iton, A. (2024, August 23). Voting is critical to the pursuit of health equity. Health Affairs . https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/voting-critical-pursuit-health-equity  

6. Advancing Health Equity through protecting and promoting access to voting. American Public Health Association. (2022, November 8). https://www.apha.org/policies-and-advocacy/public-health-policy-statements/policy-database/2023/01/18/access-to-voting