By Aimee Monroy Smith, Connecticut Children’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs
Lawn signs, nonstop political ads on television, social media, and the radio can only mean one thing — it’s election season! It is time to get involved and share your voice.
This November, you will have the opportunity to cast your ballot for state representative, state senator, governor, U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator.
There are dynamic elected officials right now at all levels of government who want to improve how and when children can access reliable and safe medical care. They also know that you have to be in it to win it.
I encourage you to find these elected officials, and support them. Kids can’t vote, but you can!
Connecticut Children’s created a 2022 Voters’ Guide to help: It’s full of tools to help you learn where candidates stand on key children’s issues, and how you can get involved in the process.
> Check out the 2022 Voters’ Guide
Elected officials make laws that govern most aspects of a child’s world. At Connecticut Children’s, we see the impact of governmental decision-making on children all the time – from where kids go to school to where they play outside to what food is available for them to eat. We work with elected officials to create a healthier world for kids.
For example, in partnership with our elected officials and the Injury Prevention Center, we have advocated for laws that help to keep kids safe.
These efforts have succeeded thanks to the support of elected officials – and the voters who elected them.
> Related: Top 10 Questions for Candidates
This task is more important than ever. There are significant disparities in how children can access physical and emotional care when they need it. Through our vote, we can challenge today’s system and support efforts to change the status quo.
We are fortunate to live in a country where we have a direct opportunity to engage in the policy-making process, to challenge how laws are made, and to take action in a way that supports those who don’t have a voice in the law-making process, such as our children.
One of the most powerful ways we can create a better world for kids is to vote.
I recently received a really great voting poster through my town library calendar. It was of Paul Newman, a long-time Connecticut resident and supporter of organizations that help kids.
The poster includes the words Research, Register, Vote – underscoring the importance of understanding what you believe and which candidate is best situated to represent your views.
So I encourage you:
Together, we can and will make a difference for children’s health.