Advocacy is part of the daily work of pediatricians, speaking up for children and making sure they have all they need to be healthy. Highlighting the connection between voting and health can be an important part of this work. 

Engaging in nonpartisan Get Out the Vote efforts can look many different ways – from raising awareness about the importance of voting with children’s needs in mind to engaging in efforts to ensure eligible patients and families are registered to vote to making sure your colleagues have the tools and information they need to cast their ballot.

As a first step, get to know your institution's policies to understand what you can do as an individual, pediatrician or an administrator. 

Spread the Vote Kids Message

Pediatricians can elevate the importance of voting with children’s needs in mind and explain how voting is a powerful tool to influence policies that impact the health of our communities. 


Use Vot-ER Resources to Encourage Patients to Learn About Voting 

The AAP is partnering with Vot-ER – a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to integrate civic engagement into healthcare. Vot-ER develops nonpartisan civic engagement tools and programs for every corner of the healthcare system—from private practitioners to medical schools to hospitals. 

Request a Voter Registration Badge

Use a Vot-ER badge to give eligible patients and families an opportunity to access a nonpartisan voter registration platform in the hospital or clinic. 

Request Your Free Badge

State Voter Registration Ages

While most of your patients may not be old enough to vote – older patients you see may be! Learn more about your state’s age requirements for voter registration as well as options for pre-registration in some states. 

Learn More

 

Additional Vot-ER Tools for Pediatricians

Waiting Room Slide

Phone Background

Every Vote Counts Poster

Last Updated

07/09/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics