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Vote Mental Health

Vote Mental Health

Vote, it counts!

How do you “vote mental health”?

  1. Know our issues. Learn more about the issues that impact those who live with mental illness ~ read NAMI's State Action Agenda.
  2. Ask questions. Ask your candidates unbiased, open-ended questions ~ NAMI's Candidate Questions.
  3. Stay informed. Check candidate websites for positions on relevant issues. Listen to speeches.
  4. Spread the word. Your family, friends and co-workers care about what you have to say. Let them know that you will "vote mental health."
  5. Wear your issue. Wear a "Mental Health Care Gets My Vote!" button on your shirt or bag. This will grab the attention of candidates—and raise public awareness. Stop by the NAMI NH Concord office to get your button.
  6. Vote. One of the most important ways you can make a difference is to exercise your right to vote. Find out how to register to vote.

VOTING MATTERS
Get Engaged This Election Season
Michael J. Cohen, NAMI NH, Executive Director

“It doesn’t matter if I vote

… my candidate never wins.”
… they are all the same, no matter the party.”
… one vote makes no difference, besides I am out of town that day.”

These are the excuses I have heard over many years as I talked with fellow NAMI members about the importance of voting. Advocacy is in our NAMI blood, it is the heart and soul of our mission - voting is one of the most meaningful advocacy efforts an individual can do. It is the small “d” democratic, thing to do.

In 1999, when I first arrived at NAMI NH I was engaged in NAMI National’s campaign, “I VOTE, I COUNT.” To this day I truly believe it. My vote counts, your vote counts. When I vote, my voice is heard.

Over the past 1 ½ years, the nation has experienced significant changes - a new president and Congress, a “great recession”, the passage of parity legislation and the passage of health care reform. Regardless of your politics, these issues demand your attention. We must, as NAMI advocates, work to assure that the continuing recession does not erode mental health care services further; that mental health care services are restored; that full parity is assured in every state and that the multiple benefits of health care reform for persons with mental disorders is achieved. By voting for candidates who support your interest in mental health care, it matters to more than just you. Voting matters at the local level, in the primaries and in the general election. Your vote can make a substantial difference for the mental health care for our loved ones.