As caregivers, we are true witnesses to the healthcare crisis. Every day—on the job—we see firsthand the costs and hardships caused by the gaps within our healthcare system. Often we ourselves, and members of our families too, have stumbled and fallen into these gaps.  It is time now for us to get involved and speak up.  

For me personally, speaking up has always meant voting on issues related to healthcare reform, and encouraging my friends and co-workers to do the same. But in order to vote, one must be registered to vote.

Recently I was surprised to learn that almost one in four caregivers is not yet registered to vote. I believe that this year’s presidential election could very well be close once again, and I know that the votes of concerned caregivers could truly make a difference in the outcome. But only if those caregivers have registered to vote!

Last week, Healthcare United activists launched their largest effort to register caregivers to vote. The effort has now extended into eleven states, with the goal of making “every voice heard" on the issue of national healthcare reform.  Local activists have joined with elected officials and fellow healthcare advocates to register their coworkers and colleagues at hospitals, nursing homes and community centers.
 
To learn more about the number of unregistered caregivers in your state, and to learn what you can do to make a difference at the local level, please visit your state’s page here.