Source: Meg Selig
Last week, I stood in a long line at my local library so that I could vote early during this election. The process took two hours, but finally I was able to “feed” my ballot to the voting machine. The machine snatched it, and suddenly I was done. I claimed my “I voted” sticker, slapped it on my shirt, and went off to find my car.
I felt an immediate sense of relief—relief mixed with elation. After two hours of waiting, I had accomplished my goal. I had voted! I found myself smiling uncontrollably, filled with a strange happiness.
I began to wonder: Why did I feel so good? What does the research say about the effect of voting on mood, mental health, and health in general? Here’s what I found out.
The Research: Voting and Health
A 2019 report by the Rand Corporation tried to determine “whether better health and well-being might promote more civic engagement, whether civic engagement might promote health or well-being, or perhaps both.” Their findings can be summarized as follows: Whether through voting, volunteering, or membership in civic organizations, civic engagement leads to better physical and mental health and well-being.
Moreover, “the American Public Health Association has named voting as one of the key “political determinants” of health,” according to this article in Harvard Public Health. That’s because the research, both in Europe and the U.S., shows “a strong link between voter participation and physical and mental health.” In other words, improve voter registration and voter turnout and you can improve the health of the population.
Why and how does this happen? Some of the possible reasons are listed below:
1. Sense of purpose. While I’m partly speculating here, I would argue that the simple act of voting can give a person a sense of purpose. An ever-increasing body of research shows that a sense of purpose in life is highly correlated with better physical health, better mental health, and increased life satisfaction. As I write in my book, Silver Sparks: Thoughts on Growing Older, Wiser, and Happier, feeling that you have a purpose “decreases your chance of premature death, according to a study of almost 7000 adults between the ages of 51 and 61.” In addition, in one of many studies, “a 2019 study by a team of British researchers found that a sense of purpose… promoted happiness and a sense of well-being among adults 50-90.”
2. Self-expression. Your vote is your voice, as they say. Expressing who you are and what you stand for gives you a sense of agency. And “agency” is a factor in good mental health.
3. A sense of belonging and connection. Yes, even in these divisive times, voting can provide a sense of “we’re all in this together.” Moreover, feeling part of a community through voting can counter the sense of isolation and loneliness that have become epidemic in America, according to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.
4. Less depression. According to research cited by Catlin Harper in her article, “Why Voting Can Boost Your Mental Health,” “Younger adults who volunteer and vote are more likely to be in better health and have fewer depressive symptoms than those who don’t.” Her interpretation: When you can see yourself making a difference by taking action, the feeling of empowerment helps ease depression.
5. Self-care. “Voting is an act of self-care,” Harper asserts. Not only does voting make you feel empowered, but your choices may just end up affecting policies at the local and national level.
Practical Considerations
I would be remiss if I neglected to mention that the American Psychological Association warns here that political stress and anxiety threaten to harm the physical and psychological well-being of Americans. Sometimes even voting can be a cause of stress. Yet, worries can also be a motivator to take action.
Especially for first-time voters, registering and voting can be a confusing process. If you feel uncertain about whether you are registered, where to vote, and when to vote, go to VOTE411. Other resources: Your state’s Secretary of State website, your local city or county Board of Elections, or, if you see something that worries you, the Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE).
Yes, when it comes to the voting process, you might have to endure some red (white and blue) tape. But it’s worth it. Several first-time voters were interviewed on various news shows yesterday. They were visibly thrilled to cast their votes for the first time. Their comments included these: “I felt like I did my part” and “It feels great to vote.” And, as my experience shows, that feeling never gets old!
