Pediatricians have the unique opportunity to educate patients and their families about the importance of voting. As a first step, get to know your institution's policies to understand what you are able to do as an individual, pediatrician or an administrator.
Use Vot-ER Resources to Encourage Patients to Learn About Voting
The AAP is partnering with Vot-ER – a nonpartisan, health professional-driven organization working to integrate civic engagement into healthcare. They have partnered with over 500 hospitals, clinics, and other organizations to help over 47,000 Americans register to vote.
Pediatricians can use Vot-ER’s tools and resources to help educate patients and their parents on the importance of civic engagement:
- Vot-ER Badges: A free, easy tool where patients can access a nonpartisan, self-service voter registration platform via QR Code - and a reliable way to impact your patient’s health beyond the medical care they receive.
- Conversation Starters about Voting: Research backed, non-partisan dialogue for how to discuss voting with both your 18-year-old patients and the parents of younger patients.
Other Resources & Ideas
- Some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote. Check to see if your state is one of them here.
- Give your staff and trainees time to vote on election day or resources for absentee voting in your state