Election Toolkit: Why Voting Matters for Chronic Disease Patients
Election season is here, and your vote plays a role in shaping the future of healthcare.
For people living with chronic diseases, this is more important than ever. The choices elected leaders make directly impact access to treatment and patient rights. Voting isn’t just about picking leaders—it’s about making sure your voice is heard on the issues that affect your everyday life.
Nearly 30% of people with chronic diseases have had to choose between paying for medical care and basic needs like rent or food. This shows how critical it is to vote for policies that make healthcare affordable and accessible. Your vote can help create a system that truly supports those who depend on it the most.
During Chronic Disease Month, we asked over 1,000 people living with chronic diseases about their experiences, and 18% said their illness makes it harder to vote. That’s about 25 million Americans! Even with these challenges, voting is a powerful way to make sure healthcare stays a priority for lawmakers. Your voice can help create a system that works for everyone, especially those managing chronic conditions.
Here are some resources to make sure you are ready to vote and engage with the election and candidates in this final month!
Know Your Rights: Accessible Voting Options
Voting can be challenging when you have a chronic diseases, but many options are available to help. Know your rights when it comes to accessible voting. In many states, you can:
Vote by mail
Receive assistance at the polls
Use curbside voting
Check your state’s options to ensure you can cast your ballot without difficulty. For more information, visit AAPD’s Voter-Info Page.
Register to Vote: Your State's Information
Not registered yet? Visit www.vote.gov to register and check your voter status. You’ll also find information about voting deadlines, polling places, and accessible voting options in your state.
2024 Roll Call of Champions: Celebrating Healthcare Advocates
Each July, we honor lawmakers who stand up for patients and healthcare reform. The 2024 Roll Call of Champions celebrates leaders from across the country who support laws that lower healthcare costs, protect access to treatments, and fight unfair insurance practices. Keep these champions in mind and support candidates who care about patient rights.
Use Our Candidate Scorecard
Our Candidate Scorecard helps you ask the right questions at town halls, campaign events, or on social media. For example:
State Level: “How will you ensure insurance companies don’t stop doctors from prescribing the right medicine?”
Federal Level: “What will you do to make healthcare more affordable and easier to get for all Americans?”
Share Your Voice: "I Vote Because"
Sharing your personal stories is one of the most powerful and effective ways to advocate. We invite you to share why you vote with our "I Vote Because" tool. Create a graphic and share it on social media to inspire others. Don’t forget to tag us @ChronicRights.
Voting is a powerful way to make sure the needs of chronic disease patients are heard. Let’s work together to build a healthcare system that works for everyone.
Let’s do this!