Health Centers are an effective place to engage voters. They are non-profit organizations that are trusted in the community. They have social missions. They are visited daily by individuals who are often underrepresented in the democratic process. They receive bipartisan support at both the state and federal level.
Community Health Vote is an initiative of the National Association of Community Health Centers aimed at increasing voting and civic participation by Health Center staff, board, volunteers, and clients; and assisting Health Centers in increasing voter participation in their communities through legal, permissible, nonpartisan voter engagement activities.
Click here to learn more about Community Health Vote and to download the Community Health Vote Toolkit, which includes how-to guides and templates for making voter registration and education an ongoing activity at your Health Center.
Watch the two videos below to learn more about why Health Centers are the ideal place to register voters, and why voter engagement is a responsibility for Health Centers.
2012 Registration Deadlines and Election Dates
July 9, 2012
Last day to register to vote in August Primary Election
August 7, 2012
State Primary
Polls are open 7 am-8 pm
October 9, 2012
Last day to register to vote in November General Election
November 6, 2012
General Election
Resources
Text HEALTHVOTE to 69866 on your mobile phone to recive information, reminders, and updates about voting (message and data rates may apply)
Michigan Voter Registration Application (English)
Michigan Voter Registration Application (Spanish)
Order voter registration applications in bulk for free from the Michigan Secretary of State by calling 1.800.292.5973; they are available in a variety of languages.
Instructions for Completing the Michigan Voter Registration Application
This Health Center Offers Voter Registration
Where and When Do I Vote?
Why Vote and How Do I Stay Informed?
Online Michigan Election Guide
List of candidates for Congressional and State Legislature seats, Governor/Lieutenant Governor, State Attorney General, and Secretary of State, as well as statewide ballot measures. Or click here to type in your address and access information about races in your district.
Voter Registration: It's As Easy as 1-2-3-4
Follow these four easy steps to integrate voter registration into your Health Center's daily activities.
Register to Vote Here Poster
Post in patient waiting areas to let everyone who enters your Health Center know that they can register to vote at your Health Center.
Tally Sheet
If your Health Center is registering voters, please track the number of completed voter registration applications that you submit to the clerk's office and share those numbers with Dana Lawrence at dlawrence@mpca.net. Having data to show that Health Centers are effective places to register voters is very important.
Register to Vote in Michigan
A step-by-step guide of the Michigan Department of State.
Upcoming Education Events
Taking a Stand: Ballot Measure Advocacy for Nonprofits
May 10, 2012, 2 pm ET
Webinar hosted by Nonprofit VOTE focused on the do's and don'ts of nonprofit organizations engaging the public around referendums, initiatives, and ballot questions.
Voter Engagement
May 21, 2012, 2-3 pm ET
Learn what it means to partner with the Michigan Nonprofit Association for voter engagement and learn about the exciting new tools and resources available when partnering with them. Let's make sure everyone eligible votes this year!
Advocating for Your Health Center in Today's Political Climate
May 22, 2012, 10-11 am ET
Webinar hosted by MPCA focused on creating a culture of advocacy in the Health Center and integrating voter engagement.
Community Health Vote Tele-Town Hall
May 22, 2012, 2 pm ET
Dr. Jack Geiger will be the guest for this NACHC Tele-Forum open to all Health Center advocates. Join to learn more about the importance of nonprofit, nonpartisan voter registration and ask any questions you have about Community Health Vote. To join the free Tele-Forum, NACHC will call you - just update your advocate profile to include a direct phone number in the Tele-Town Hall field where you can be reached at the time of the Tele-Forum.
Engage Candidates and Build Clout: How to Host a Candidate Forum
May 24, 2012, 2 pm ET
Webinar hosted by Nonprofit Vote to educate nonprofits on how to organization an effective candidate forum, how to stay nonpartisan throughout the process, and to provide tools to help every step of the way.
National Voter Registration Day
September 25, 2012
Health Center Guidance
Partners & Other Resources