It cannot have escaped anyone's notice that we are in an election year. The amount of attention to this year's Presidential race has been high due to its historical significance. There are many reasons why this election is important. We face a number of international and economic issues that have to be addressed. Unfortunately, many Americans are less informed than they should be when they enter the voting booth if they enter at all. Voter participation in the 2004 presidential election has been estimated at 60% of eligible voters.1 Although this was an improvement over previous elections, it is hardly a sign of healthy civic engagement.
Why should nurses care about civic engagement and informed voting? Attention must be paid to healthcare issues not just for individual patients but also as a national and global problem. Access to healthcare and the cost associated with healthcare impact nurses, families, and patients. The American Nurses Association Nursing Social Policy Statement outlines the responsibility and moral obligation of nurses to participate in the political process and to strive to improve the ability of citizens to achieve good health.2,3 Nurses have critical knowledge about the healthcare system, what works and does not work, and where improvements need to be made. Nurses see, on a firsthand basis, the impact of prescription drug costs, lack of access to primary care, and the high cost of technology in areas like the intensive care nursery. This expertise will be essential in creating any kind of solution to the current healthcare crisis.
Citizenship involves a responsibility not only to the individual but also to the greater good. We all benefit from a free, stable society, and we have the moral responsibility to contribute to the process of sustaining that society.4 We have a responsibility not only to vote but also to be informed about our choices regarding national and local candidates and initiatives.
Healthcare is only one of the issues facing our country as we enter the voting booth this November. There are many issues both nationally and locally that we must be concerned about. How informed are you about where the various candidates stand on issues that are important to you?
We are saturated with instant communication: words, claims, counterclaims, and accusations. There are glossy photographs, catchy slogans, and talk show hosts eager to influence our opinions. It becomes a challenge to sort through the noise and become informed. With so much attention paid to national races, local contests often become lost in the din. Do you know as much about who is running for city council, the school board, and your state Senate and House of Representatives as you do for the national offices? Local government has a large impact on the day-to-day lives of people; as much or more as our national government. Many healthcare issues are being addressed at the state level.5 Yet, it is usual for citizens to enter the voting booth with only a vague idea of the views and policies of local candidates.
How can you be an informed voter? It is essential to develop political skills. You may not want to be a candidate for office or work on a campaign but you can enter the voting booth ready to make a decision based on the best possible evidence.
* Identify the issues that are important to you on a local, state, and national level. Make a list of your priorities for issues. Make another list of leadership characteristics that are important to you.6 Consider experience, intelligence, character, communication skills, and ability to work with others. What do you believe makes a good leader? As you learn about the candidates, you can note their position on issues that are important to you.
* Find out about the candidate. Read as much as possible about the candidate's positions on the issues. While reading, however, pay attention to the source. Be aware that different organizations may present information in a biased way, based on their own political viewpoints. Differentiate between news, advertising, and opinions. To be informed, you must evaluate sources of information. Review speeches the candidate made and determine what the candidate actually said, not just what his or her opponent says they said. Examine the candidates' voting record on various issues. There are a number of nonpartisan groups or Web sites that strive to provide accurate information on candidates.
* Be a critical thinker. Remember that there are few easy solutions to most problems. Beware of catchwords and unrealistic promises designed to make us feel good. Remember that advertisements are designed to create an emotional response either for or against the candidate. Evaluate the source of information you receive.
* Talk with others and not just those who agree with your point of view. Respectful dialogue on important issues from both sides of the political spectrum would go a long way toward solving major issues in our country. Be willing to listen to and try to understand others' viewpoints. This does not mean compromising your own values but being willing to admit that we do not always have all the information. Challenge your own biases and assumptions.
* Remember that state and local governments have as big or bigger impact on your day-to-day life as the presidential election. Many people spend a lot of time deciding which presidential candidate to vote for but very little time on the candidates to their state offices or to the city council or school board. These offices require equal attention to determine the candidate's position on issues and their leadership ability.
It is vital that you exercise your right to vote this November. However, it is equally important that you, armed with evidence, enter the voting booth. Take the time to make an informed decision.
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