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Helpful Resources Between Now and Nov. 8

Tuesday, November 8 -- Election Day -- is drawing near. And there's a lot at stake for Minnesota infants, children and youth.

At least 1 in 10 children currently live in households with income below the poverty level. Asian, Black and Hispanic populations are growing faster than the White population, but remain disproportionately affected poor health and education outcomes. And although most Minnesota children have access to health coverage, far too many remain uninsured or underinsured.

This election isn't just about the president of the United States. It's about the future of Minnesota's children. All 201 seats are up for election in the Minnesota legislature. It's up to voters to decide whether our Governor will continue working with a Republican-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate or whether the powers will shift. 

Do you know who represents you? Do you know where they stand on important child health issues?

As the leading voice of pediatrics in the state, the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP) urges you to show up to the polls and vote on behalf of kids!

Plan ahead to vote!
  • Short on time and patience for long lines? Vote early! Download and mail an absentee ballot.  
  • If you're working, make sure you and your colleagues can cover for each other. Talk about a schedule now.
  • Not sure if you're registered to vote? Check now.
Learn where your candidates stand on children's health.
  • Find out who your candidates are by viewing a sample ballot.
  • Determine where your candidates stand on local issues. How will they work to increase immunization rates, reduce poverty and health disparities, increase access to mental health services, or strengthen the child protection system? These are MNAAP's current child health priorities, but there may be other issues you're passionate about. Perhaps it's increasing access to affordable, comprehensive insurance coverage, reducing gun violence, or promoting early childhood education and resources.
  • Determine where your candidates stand on national issues. Check out AAP's Blueprint for Children: Policy Agenda for policy recommendations at the national level. You can also read responses from Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Encourage others to vote, too!
Children under age 18 make up 23 percent of Minnesota's population, but are 100 percent of its future. As a pediatrician or pediatric provider, you're an advocate by nature. Voting is essential to addressing the issues that we see children and their families struggling with every day. Thanks in advance for voting on behalf of kids this election.

Sincerely,

Andrew Kiragu, MD, FAAP
MNAAP President