Voting is a powerful tool for improving the health of all Californians. With major upcoming elections at the national, state, and local levels, voting is a way that people can use their voice to advance policy that shapes their overall well-being, from health care access to environmental sustainability, and everything in between. Engaging in the voting process builds a strong sense of community and responsibility, boosting both mental and physical health. Family physicians, as trusted community leaders, are perfectly positioned to lead this charge. By helping patients register to vote, family physicians are not just promoting civic engagement—they are actively strengthening the health and unity of their communities.
Recognizing the pivotal role of our family physicians in building momentum for civic engagement, the California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) is supporting our members with an easy way to engage with patients and get them registered to vote ASAP. CAFP is providing easy-to-use, downloadable resources and information to help physicians educate their patients about the voting process.
CAFP is hosting a virtual webinar on September 4th to highlight how family physicians can promote voter registration, fostering a sense of community and connectedness that positively impacts patient health. Find registration information below.
November 5, 2024, General Election
We’re happy to provide two Register to Vote posters for your office or clinic. They have been produced in English and Spanish and are yours for a “click.”
To Register to Vote, You Must Be:
From the exam room to the ballot box, view the webinar on the vital role family physicians can play in promoting voter registration. As trusted community members, family physicians are uniquely positioned to encourage and assist patients in signing up to vote—and in turn, voting has the power to give patients a strong sense of community and connectedness that positively impacts health.
This webinar featured the Executive Director of Vot-ER, Aliya Bhatia, and the Sacramento Valley CAFP Chapter President, Brea Bondi-Boyd, MD who highlighted national and local efforts to help your patients exercise their civic rights this election season.
Recorded on September 4, 2024.
With the November elections just around the corner, it's more important than ever to know what's at stake for family medicine in California. Get the inside scoop on candidate races and ballot measures that will have impacts on your practices, profession, and the patients you serve. Watch CAFP’s second civic engagement-focused webinar for a deep dive into the key issues, and walk away with the insights and strategies you need to make powerful, informed decisions. This is your opportunity to learn, ask questions, and ensure your voice shapes the future of health care. Make your vote count!
Recorded on October 10, 2024.
What is Vot-ER and why is it important?
Vot-ER is a nonpartisan platform designed to empower physicians and other health care providers in getting their patients registered to vote during medical visits. Because medical offices are crucial community hubs for patients across the diverse communities in California, they serve as an excellent location, paired with the trusted relationships fostered by family physicians, to help patients take the crucial first step in civic engagement- registering to vote.
Vot-ER seamlessly integrates voter registration into the health care setting, making it easy and accessible. For family physicians, Vot-ER is an invaluable tool to promote civic engagement, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and contribute to the overall health of their communities by ensuring patients have a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
For complete voting/election information go to the California Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/election-2020/
Voting Information 1-pager: This document includes all compliance information regarding HIPAA, HRSA guidance, IRS compliance, and the National Voter Registration Act.
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Our Health Care System is in CRISIS
California’s health care system is in crisis. In rural and urban communities alike, hospitals are closing. In recent years, more than 40 California hospitals have stopped offering labor and delivery services. Emergency rooms are overcrowded. Patients cannot get in to see a doctor or specialist within a reasonable amount of time. Care for 15 million children, seniors, disabled and low-income families on Medi-Cal is significantly underfunded.
Yes on 35 is the SOLUTION to Fix Our Most Urgent Health Care Priorities
Prop 35 is supported by health care workers, physicians, community health centers, Planned Parenthood, health plans and emergency responders. The measure will address our most urgent health care priorities by securing dedicated, ongoing funding – without raising taxes on individuals – to protect and expand patient access to care.
