American nurses were among those who marched and led the fight for women to gain the right to vote 100 years ago. This year, as we celebrate passage of the 19th Amendment, signed into law in August 1920, we can honor the suffragists by exercising our right to vote in the November elections. (Although it should be noted that the 19th Amendment failed to fully enfranchise women of color.)
With a pandemic and social justice issues facing the country, nurses’ voices are vitally important. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is focused on empowering RNs with vital tools to better engage in the 2020 elections. RNAction, ANA’s grassroots advocacy program, empowers nurses and nurse advocates to champion issues impacting the nursing profession and patients through political activism.
Nursesvote.org was created as a hub for nurses and nurse advocates to participate in the election. NursesVote allows individuals to confirm their voter registration, choose to vote by mail (where applicable), and see updated election laws in their state. Before casting your vote this election, take a moment to read ANA’s top legislative priorities such as COVID-19, workplace violence, and other issues impacting the nursing profession.
The How to Get Involved Toolkit also is a great resource for nurse advocates who want to be more active. Use this resource to learn more about starting a voter registration drive, volunteering for a phone bank, holding a fundraiser, and many other Get Out the Vote activities.
In November, all 435 seats in the U.S. House and 35 seats in the Senate are being contested. ANA urges all nurses to channel their personal passions and energy to engage in the elections and vote, because when nurses vote and speak, Washington listens!
