Student-led registration effort helps hundreds cast their votes
Organizers of an EVMS voter registration drive say the campaign was a great success. In the months before the election they were able to help 151 people register to vote and assisted 187 people in requesting mail-in ballots.
The campaign, led by the EVMS chapters of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), American Medical Woman’s Association and Student National Medical Association, was part of #MedOutTheVote – a national, non-partisan voter registration campaign created by Vot-ER, committed to ensuring everyone has a chance to vote.
I'm so proud of what we accomplished,” says Madeleine Jacques, MD Class of 2023 and AMSA Vice President.” Every person's vote counts and I am so glad we could help facilitate citizens exercising their rights and making their voices heard.” Additionally, Ms. Jacques is thankful they were able to encourage people to vote from the safety of their own homes during a pandemic through mail ballots.
The Vot-ER campaign was founded by healthcare workers who envision a democracy that is more inclusive for all. It aims to meet voters where they are and to support them in becoming more civically engaged.
“As future physicians, we must be leaders and help our patients play a role in shaping the policies that affect their health,” Ms. Jacques says. “Voting is an act that shows you care about your community and your country and I'm proud we were able to get more Americans to participate in our democracy.”