Image
Vote and Grow Healthy: Why Your Health, Community, and Future Depends on It
NOTE: It’s so important to understand what you are voting about. AltaMed has guides with information about the propositions on the upcoming ballot here and here. Voting is already underway, so read up, take notes, and be sure to vote early.
If you live in Los Angeles county, click here for a list of AltaMed locations where you can vote early in person or drop off your ballot.
Orange County voters can drop off their ballot at AltaMed Medical and Dental Group – Santa Ana, Main.
You may be wondering, “What does voting have to do with my health?”
In a nutshell, EVERYTHING. Voting is critical to ensuring access to health care and protecting the rights of everyone, including immigrants and the undocumented, women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other members of society who have been historically marginalized or overlooked.
If You Can Vote, Vote in Every Single Election
Unfortunately, even those who can vote usually only cast their ballots in the big contests, often ignoring local races and ballot measures. Yes, the presidential election has a big impact on our lives (especially this year), but so do all of the other elections.
For example, in the November election, Californians will vote on a proposition that would increase rent control/rent stabilization protections but cut into the state’s revenue. Whether or not the proposition passes, the outcome affects millions of Californians.
Even elections for city offices and positions on a school board can have a big impact on our daily lives and the health of our communities. So, if you can vote, educate yourself on the choices and participate in every election.
Vote Because Not Everyone Can
Your vote is like a voice, allowing you to support causes and candidates that advance your interests. However, many people in this country don’t have a voice. For example, our children! Voting is a way to help secure the best possible future for generations to come, including access to education, care, and more opportunities.
Immigrants and undocumented individuals cannot vote either and your vote can help improve their lives. Though you may not get the chance to vote directly on matters of citizenship and immigration, the officials you elect can advocate for immigration reform, more humane treatment of undocumented individuals, and stronger protections for immigrants and their families.
Have a Say Where Your Money Goes
Our tax dollars are used to fund many important public projects, such as improvements to mass transit and roads, protecting our environment, and expanding access to social services. But not all projects benefit everyone, and some can be controversial. Another initiative in this November’s election would fund stem cell research, which conflicts with some people’s religious beliefs, while others believe this research is important for future medical treatments. If you don’t vote, you don’t have any say in where your taxes go.
People Worked Hard for You to Have a Voice
This year, we mark the 100th anniversary of women’s voting rights in the United States. Black people have only had the right to vote in America since 1965. Even though these rights have been established with amendments to the Constitution, there are many politicians who are trying to chip away at these rights and make it harder to vote. You can keep voting rights alive by exercising them as often as you can.
It’s Safe and It’s Never Been Easier
Governor Newsom worked with the state legislature to make sure all registered California voters receive a vote-by-mail ballot. His office is working with local leaders, all over the state, to make sure that anyone who wants to, can access safe and secure in-person voting.
Vote by mail ballots will be mailed out on October 5. Voting by mail is easy, safe, and reliable. You can even track your ballot at every step at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to make sure your vote is counted accurately and on-time.
Make Sure Your Registration is Current
In partnership with Vote.org, we have digital resources to help you get registered, check your registration status online, or get election notifications and reminders. These tools are all available at myvotemyhealth.org/vote. They are convenient, instant, safe, and secure. We always protect your privacy. You can also download the My Vote. My Health. app to learn more about voting and advocacy opportunities.
To stay on top of the important issues and learn more about how important your vote is, follow our Town Hall YouTube playlist. Each Town Hall features a panel of experts and lively, informative conversations – our latest one features the work we’ve done with the My Vote. My Health. Initiative. Together, we can drive important changes for our communities. Let’s make that difference.
For more information about voting in the November 3 General Election, including questions about the status of your Vote-by-Mail ballot, contact your county Registrar:
Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office
Orange County Registrar of Voters
NOTE: It’s so important to understand what you are voting about. AltaMed has guides with information about the propositions on the upcoming ballot here and here. Voting is already underway, so read up, take notes, and be sure to vote early.
If you live in Los Angeles county, click here for a list of AltaMed locations where you can vote early in person or drop off your ballot.
Orange County voters can drop off their ballot at AltaMed Medical and Dental Group – Santa Ana, Main.
You may be wondering, “What does voting have to do with my health?”
In a nutshell, EVERYTHING. Voting is critical to ensuring access to health care and protecting the rights of everyone, including immigrants and the undocumented, women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other members of society who have been historically marginalized or overlooked.
If You Can Vote, Vote in Every Single Election
Unfortunately, even those who can vote usually only cast their ballots in the big contests, often ignoring local races and ballot measures. Yes, the presidential election has a big impact on our lives (especially this year), but so do all of the other elections.
For example, in the November election, Californians will vote on a proposition that would increase rent control/rent stabilization protections but cut into the state’s revenue. Whether or not the proposition passes, the outcome affects millions of Californians.
Even elections for city offices and positions on a school board can have a big impact on our daily lives and the health of our communities. So, if you can vote, educate yourself on the choices and participate in every election.
Vote Because Not Everyone Can
Your vote is like a voice, allowing you to support causes and candidates that advance your interests. However, many people in this country don’t have a voice. For example, our children! Voting is a way to help secure the best possible future for generations to come, including access to education, care, and more opportunities.
Immigrants and undocumented individuals cannot vote either and your vote can help improve their lives. Though you may not get the chance to vote directly on matters of citizenship and immigration, the officials you elect can advocate for immigration reform, more humane treatment of undocumented individuals, and stronger protections for immigrants and their families.
Have a Say Where Your Money Goes
Our tax dollars are used to fund many important public projects, such as improvements to mass transit and roads, protecting our environment, and expanding access to social services. But not all projects benefit everyone, and some can be controversial. Another initiative in this November’s election would fund stem cell research, which conflicts with some people’s religious beliefs, while others believe this research is important for future medical treatments. If you don’t vote, you don’t have any say in where your taxes go.
People Worked Hard for You to Have a Voice
This year, we mark the 100th anniversary of women’s voting rights in the United States. Black people have only had the right to vote in America since 1965. Even though these rights have been established with amendments to the Constitution, there are many politicians who are trying to chip away at these rights and make it harder to vote. You can keep voting rights alive by exercising them as often as you can.
It’s Safe and It’s Never Been Easier
Governor Newsom worked with the state legislature to make sure all registered California voters receive a vote-by-mail ballot. His office is working with local leaders, all over the state, to make sure that anyone who wants to, can access safe and secure in-person voting.
Vote by mail ballots will be mailed out on October 5. Voting by mail is easy, safe, and reliable. You can even track your ballot at every step at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to make sure your vote is counted accurately and on-time.
Make Sure Your Registration is Current
In partnership with Vote.org, we have digital resources to help you get registered, check your registration status online, or get election notifications and reminders. These tools are all available at myvotemyhealth.org/vote. They are convenient, instant, safe, and secure. We always protect your privacy. You can also download the My Vote. My Health. app to learn more about voting and advocacy opportunities.
To stay on top of the important issues and learn more about how important your vote is, follow our Town Hall YouTube playlist. Each Town Hall features a panel of experts and lively, informative conversations – our latest one features the work we’ve done with the My Vote. My Health. Initiative. Together, we can drive important changes for our communities. Let’s make that difference.
For more information about voting in the November 3 General Election, including questions about the status of your Vote-by-Mail ballot, contact your county Registrar:
Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office
Orange County Registrar of Voters
Get started with AltaMed
See how AltaMed Health Services can help your family grow healthy.
Image
The 2020 Census: Stand Up and Be Counted!
2020 is a very important year for all of us and our communities.
For one thing, it’s an election year, and we’ll go to the polls to pick our president and elected representatives. We will also vote on measures that affect housing, the justice system, our schools, and much more. It’s also time for the 2020 Census.
The census is like a selfie of everyone living in the United States – kids, babies, seniors, teens, adults. Regardless of citizenship, everyone counts! If you weren’t here for the last one and don’t know why it’s a big deal – trust us, it is! It only happens every 10 years so here’s everything you need to know about why it matters and how it could affect you.
First Things First: Your Information is Protected
One of the questions we hear most often is, “Is it safe for me to participate?” We understand many people are worried about sharing information about their ethnicity or their country of origin, but we can assure you that you and your information are protected regardless of your race, gender, or citizenship. It is against the law for your census information to be shared or used against you in any way.
Why the Census Matters
Your census answers are used to make decisions that affect our communities. The government uses all the information to plan where to build hospitals, fire departments, schools, and roads. Census data is also used to help draw community boundaries and districts. This may not seem like a big deal, but legislative districts can be redrawn to concentrate political power – giving some people more opportunities at the expense of others.
Census information is also used for planning federal funding. In California, we get about $115 billion a year for programs like:
- MediCal
- Medicare
- SNAP
- TANF
The census helps determine how that money is split and where it goes.
If everyone isn’t counted, we could lose billions of dollars for essential local programs, and then we’d have to wait another 10 years to do anything about it.
What’s Asked and What’s New
This year, there will only be nine questions; in previous years, it’s been 10. Questions take about 10 minutes to answer and are about:
- What kind of household you live in – for example, if it’s a house, apartment, or mobile home
- If you own your home or are renting
- The number of people living in your household
- Their age, race, and gender
Answer every question honestly and do your best to provide complete information. Children under the age of five are often undercounted, so if you’re a parent, make sure you include them.
You can see complete details and questions at the official US Census website.
Census Begins March 12
Census forms will be delivered to every home beginning March 12. Your form will contain detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 census online, by phone, or by mail. If you don’t return your form, you will receive three reminders before a census worker will be sent to your home to walk you through the process.
If you receive a visit from anyone claiming to be a census worker, ask to see their ID. It should contain their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Census workers may have equipment with the Census Bureau logo. If you refuse to talk to a census worker, they will simply come back, and you could be fined.
If you would like help filling out your form, you can call (323)531-7741 from March 12 – August 14.
The Census is Your Voice
Participating in the Census is similar to voting: it’s a way to stand up not only for yourself, but your family, and your community. If you don’t participate, we miss opportunities for funding and representation.
We’re counting on you to be counted and spread the knowledge to those you know. Bookmark this page, email it to friends by clicking on the icon near the title, or get our handy overview document that you can save, print or share. Knowledge is power, and the more of us who are willing to participate, the more powerful we become!
2020 is a very important year for all of us and our communities.
For one thing, it’s an election year, and we’ll go to the polls to pick our president and elected representatives. We will also vote on measures that affect housing, the justice system, our schools, and much more. It’s also time for the 2020 Census.
The census is like a selfie of everyone living in the United States – kids, babies, seniors, teens, adults. Regardless of citizenship, everyone counts! If you weren’t here for the last one and don’t know why it’s a big deal – trust us, it is! It only happens every 10 years so here’s everything you need to know about why it matters and how it could affect you.
First Things First: Your Information is Protected
One of the questions we hear most often is, “Is it safe for me to participate?” We understand many people are worried about sharing information about their ethnicity or their country of origin, but we can assure you that you and your information are protected regardless of your race, gender, or citizenship. It is against the law for your census information to be shared or used against you in any way.
Why the Census Matters
Your census answers are used to make decisions that affect our communities. The government uses all the information to plan where to build hospitals, fire departments, schools, and roads. Census data is also used to help draw community boundaries and districts. This may not seem like a big deal, but legislative districts can be redrawn to concentrate political power – giving some people more opportunities at the expense of others.
Census information is also used for planning federal funding. In California, we get about $115 billion a year for programs like:
- MediCal
- Medicare
- SNAP
- TANF
The census helps determine how that money is split and where it goes.
If everyone isn’t counted, we could lose billions of dollars for essential local programs, and then we’d have to wait another 10 years to do anything about it.
What’s Asked and What’s New
This year, there will only be nine questions; in previous years, it’s been 10. Questions take about 10 minutes to answer and are about:
- What kind of household you live in – for example, if it’s a house, apartment, or mobile home
- If you own your home or are renting
- The number of people living in your household
- Their age, race, and gender
Answer every question honestly and do your best to provide complete information. Children under the age of five are often undercounted, so if you’re a parent, make sure you include them.
You can see complete details and questions at the official US Census website.
Census Begins March 12
Census forms will be delivered to every home beginning March 12. Your form will contain detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 census online, by phone, or by mail. If you don’t return your form, you will receive three reminders before a census worker will be sent to your home to walk you through the process.
If you receive a visit from anyone claiming to be a census worker, ask to see their ID. It should contain their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Census workers may have equipment with the Census Bureau logo. If you refuse to talk to a census worker, they will simply come back, and you could be fined.
If you would like help filling out your form, you can call (323)531-7741 from March 12 – August 14.
The Census is Your Voice
Participating in the Census is similar to voting: it’s a way to stand up not only for yourself, but your family, and your community. If you don’t participate, we miss opportunities for funding and representation.
We’re counting on you to be counted and spread the knowledge to those you know. Bookmark this page, email it to friends by clicking on the icon near the title, or get our handy overview document that you can save, print or share. Knowledge is power, and the more of us who are willing to participate, the more powerful we become!
Image
5 Reasons Why You Should Vote!
The 2022 midterm elections are fast approaching. These elections hold tremendous importance, and the results will impact every American. That’s why it’s essential to vote.
This year’s election, held nationally on Tuesday, November 8, goes beyond who will represent us in Congress. Voters will also elect representatives at the state, county, and city levels. Additionally, your vote will determine how California and its cities will move forward on important propositions, including reproductive rights, women's health, and other health care-related issues.
Here are five reasons why you should register to vote, vote early, and vote often:
1. Elections have consequences. Every vote matters.
You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like affordable housing, economic justice, environmental protection, and quality education.
While Presidential or other national elections draw significant attention, midterm and local elections typically see less voter turnout. A Portland State University study found that fewer than 15% of eligible voters were turning out to vote for Mayors, Council Members, and other local offices.
Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful. While certain propositions may be popular, and therefore seem like a sure thing, they can fail if people stay home.
2. It’s your right. Not voting is giving up your voice.
Today, most American citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in federal and state elections, but voting was not always a right for all Americans.
Because the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this question was largely left to the states in the 1800s. While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country.
It was not until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 that black men were allowed to vote. But even so, many would-be voters faced measures meant to discourage them from exercising that right. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws. Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the long efforts of the women’s suffrage movement finally resulted in the 19th Amendment.
Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.
It took many years of marching, protesting, and fighting for all of us to have the right to vote. Use your right. Exert your power.
3. It's your money.
One way or the other, every person in our community pays taxes – both citizens and non-citizens. And yet, most people don’t know how that money is being used. Voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent, such as additional funding for health care and social services. This happens both through your vote on specific propositions and ballot measures, as well as those we elect to leadership positions that commit to supporting key social services in our communities.
4. Voting is an opportunity for change.
Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? Voting gives you that chance! There are many social issues affected by elections, including (but not limited to) gay marriage, reproductive rights, environmental issues, public education, etc. Social issues affect everyone in one way or another. To have a say in who gets to determine social agendas, it’s essential to vote.
5. The community depends on you!
Our communities are made up of family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, and children. Some may not know how important voting is, while others cannot vote. Make the decision to vote to be a voice for yourself and those around you.
Make sure your voice is heard – your vote is your health. Vote!
Being the change you want to see.
Help make a difference in your community during this general election and join our us in the My Vote. My Health.™ initiative. By visiting our website, you can check your registration status, voting locations, and download other resources to help get out the vote in your community.
In the June 2022 primary election, we reached over 209,000 new and low propensity Latino voters in our Orange County and Los Angeles County AltaMed service areas. We also hosted a total of 17 voting locations at various clinic sites.
If you do not quality to vote, you can still participate.
If you are not yet 18 (if you are at least 16 years of age you can pre-register to vote in the state of California), or are not a United States citizen, you can still participate in the following ways:
- Get informed. Read up on issues (both local and national) and figure out where you stand. Our partners at the League of Women Voters and California Plus Health Advocates both offer helpful information about what to expect on this year’s ballot.
- Get out and talk to people. Even if you cannot vote, you can still voice opinions in public forums. When people engage each other about the issues, we stand to become better-informed citizens.
- Volunteer. You can work with outreach campaigns by volunteering to get out the vote in your community through phone banks, door-to-door outreach, and texting. To volunteer at AltaMed, click here.
The 2022 midterm elections are fast approaching. These elections hold tremendous importance, and the results will impact every American. That’s why it’s essential to vote.
This year’s election, held nationally on Tuesday, November 8, goes beyond who will represent us in Congress. Voters will also elect representatives at the state, county, and city levels. Additionally, your vote will determine how California and its cities will move forward on important propositions, including reproductive rights, women's health, and other health care-related issues.
Here are five reasons why you should register to vote, vote early, and vote often:
1. Elections have consequences. Every vote matters.
You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like affordable housing, economic justice, environmental protection, and quality education.
While Presidential or other national elections draw significant attention, midterm and local elections typically see less voter turnout. A Portland State University study found that fewer than 15% of eligible voters were turning out to vote for Mayors, Council Members, and other local offices.
Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful. While certain propositions may be popular, and therefore seem like a sure thing, they can fail if people stay home.
2. It’s your right. Not voting is giving up your voice.
Today, most American citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in federal and state elections, but voting was not always a right for all Americans.
Because the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this question was largely left to the states in the 1800s. While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country.
It was not until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 that black men were allowed to vote. But even so, many would-be voters faced measures meant to discourage them from exercising that right. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws. Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the long efforts of the women’s suffrage movement finally resulted in the 19th Amendment.
Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.
It took many years of marching, protesting, and fighting for all of us to have the right to vote. Use your right. Exert your power.
3. It's your money.
One way or the other, every person in our community pays taxes – both citizens and non-citizens. And yet, most people don’t know how that money is being used. Voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent, such as additional funding for health care and social services. This happens both through your vote on specific propositions and ballot measures, as well as those we elect to leadership positions that commit to supporting key social services in our communities.
4. Voting is an opportunity for change.
Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? Voting gives you that chance! There are many social issues affected by elections, including (but not limited to) gay marriage, reproductive rights, environmental issues, public education, etc. Social issues affect everyone in one way or another. To have a say in who gets to determine social agendas, it’s essential to vote.
5. The community depends on you!
Our communities are made up of family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, and children. Some may not know how important voting is, while others cannot vote. Make the decision to vote to be a voice for yourself and those around you.
Make sure your voice is heard – your vote is your health. Vote!
Being the change you want to see.
Help make a difference in your community during this general election and join our us in the My Vote. My Health.™ initiative. By visiting our website, you can check your registration status, voting locations, and download other resources to help get out the vote in your community.
In the June 2022 primary election, we reached over 209,000 new and low propensity Latino voters in our Orange County and Los Angeles County AltaMed service areas. We also hosted a total of 17 voting locations at various clinic sites.
If you do not quality to vote, you can still participate.
If you are not yet 18 (if you are at least 16 years of age you can pre-register to vote in the state of California), or are not a United States citizen, you can still participate in the following ways:
- Get informed. Read up on issues (both local and national) and figure out where you stand. Our partners at the League of Women Voters and California Plus Health Advocates both offer helpful information about what to expect on this year’s ballot.
- Get out and talk to people. Even if you cannot vote, you can still voice opinions in public forums. When people engage each other about the issues, we stand to become better-informed citizens.
- Volunteer. You can work with outreach campaigns by volunteering to get out the vote in your community through phone banks, door-to-door outreach, and texting. To volunteer at AltaMed, click here.