Work

A Hospital-Based Emergency Voting Initiative for Election Day

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Emergency voting services are available to hospitalized patients in many states, yet little is known about implementation or participating patients. Methods: During the March and November 2024 elections, volunteers at two University of California, San Francisco hospitals collaborated with the San Francisco Department of Elections to offer emergency voting services to 598 patients. Results: Among 101 participants, 28.7% were Black, 36.6% experienced housing instability, and 93.1% were publicly insured. Participants overwhelmingly agreed that hospitals should help patients vote. Discussion: Findings underscore hospitals’ role in expanding electoral access for underrepresented populations. Health Equity Implications: Hospital-based voting may address structural barriers and promote voting among historically underrepresented groups.

Source: Health Equity

DOI: 10.1177/24731242251380451

Authors: Talia R. Ruxin, Sapna Ramappa, Madeline Feldmeier, Victoria Liu, Yoonhee P. Ha, Ilana R. Garcia-Grossman

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Electoral Systems and Political Participation

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $950