When someone such as a grandchild says that their vote doesn’t matter, especially in
New York, I reply, “Yes, it does.” The popular vote counts and influences public opinion.
Yes, the Electoral College system can overcome the total vote count, but we should not
count on it. All votes matter.

Voting is not only a civic duty; it also is a personal statement. Our vote is our voice. Why
should we be silent when we have the right to express our opinion? In fact, voting is
good for our health.

Voting is now recognized as a public health priority, says Medicare Watch (Aug. 29, 2024)
Voting affects one’s sense of self and well-being. It improves one’s individual sense of optimism, possibility and connectedness.

It may be that people in better health feel better and that feeling better
leads to more activity, but the connection is real. Political determinants of health include
civic action and voting. When voting is restricted, health outcomes worsen according to
Carter.

Just consider: Voting not only affirms our choice, but it also connects us to others,
including those who agree with us and those who have a different opinion. That is the
democratic way. Voting connects us to the larger community.

We are part of the body public and participate in it.

In this way, voting empowers our voice. It helps reduce stress by taking purposeful
action. It combats disempowerment. In these ways, voting also promotes wellness.
By promoting social connections, voting builds personal agency and fosters community-
based leadership. We choose who will lead and influence the priorities of those leaders.
Voting helps preserve democracy.

Voting affects everyday life and families. It helps decide where our tax dollars go. If
promotes our values, whether they be about schools and education, tolerance and anti-
discrimination, or protecting voting rights. Yes, every vote counts. Don’t give up on our
country.

Voting is a big responsibility. We in America get to vote for local elections, including
special tax districts as well as school boards; county elections, including executives and
legislatures and land use issues; state executive and legislative officials, including
environmental protection; and federal offices including the House of Representatives,
the U.S. Senate, and the president. Every vote counts at every level every time.

We are fortunate that we can vote in person or by mail, on Election Day or in advance.
Our vote counts. We can vote by political party or choose individual candidates. We can
write in the names of people we think could do a better job than those on the ballot.
We also can participate in elections by volunteering to campaign for a candidate or write
postcards encouraging others to register and vote in our district or in another. These, too,
are ways to make our voice heard.

I remember the first time I voted and have voted every chance since, even when I was
in the Navy in the Philippines when I used a mail-in ballot. For this fall’s election, I have
joined with friends to write thousands of postcards encouraging others to register and
vote.

Writing the cards is a community activity with a purpose and is fun at that.
So, if someone tells you their vote doesn’t count and that voting doesn’t matter, explain
to them why it is good for their health and the health of the community.

Dr. Robert A. Scott, President Emeritus, Adelphi University, Co-Author, Letters to
Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate, Rowman & Littlefield, 2024.