Amid the race to the finish line for those running for office at all levels of the U.S. government, the Academy is leading the #VoteKids campaign to ensure children have a voice this election season.
The goal of the multifaceted effort is to encourage pediatricians and those who advocate for children to make kids a meaningful part of the election conversation.

“Children can’t vote, but we can,” said AAP CEO/Executive Director Karen Remley, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., FAAP, in a communication to all AAP members. “Casting a ballot with children in mind is a small act that can make a big difference in the future of our children and our country.”
The Academy’s election portal, www.aap.org/votekids, provides pediatricians with the tools and resources they need to help “Get Out the Vote,” including voter registration information, a social media toolkit and #VoteKids banner for profile pictures, and information on what is at stake for children’s health this election.
One in five children lives in poverty, one in five lives in a household where food is scarce, and seven children and teenagers die from gun violence every day. The Academy’s #VoteKids campaign urges elected leaders to support programs and policies that advance children’s health and keep families and communities safe, healthy and strong.
To join the #VoteKids efforts, pediatricians can:
- Update their social media profile pictures with a #VoteKids banner overlay by visiting www.aap.org/votekids.
- Tweet and post to Facebook about why it is important to #VoteKids, using example messages from the social media toolkit.
- Write an op-ed to their local newspaper about the importance of voting with children’s needs in mind. An op-ed template with instructions and sample messages can be found at http://bit.ly/2aOu3nR.
- Visit the election portal to learn how to register to vote, access other tools and resources to help Get Out the Vote, and learn about the Academy’s priorities for the next Congress and administration.
Leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8, the Academy will continue to share campaign updates and new resources with members, including a video of pediatricians speaking about the importance of getting out the vote. Visit www.aap.org/votekids for the latest information on the campaign and how to get involved.
D.C. defined: election edition
While Washington has its own legislative lingo and political jargon at any time of year, the list of terms-to-know expands during an election season. Here are a few key vocabulary words:
Absentee ballot: A paper ballot, mailed out before Election Day, used by voters who will be unable to vote on the day itself.
Ballot measure: A question that appears on a ballot for approval or rejection.
Nonpartisan election: An election where the candidates are not identified on the ballot as members of a major political party. Many states have nonpartisan elections for judges.
Open seat: An election where the incumbent is not seeking re-election.
Write-in voting: To make a selection of an individual not listed on the ballot by writing in a choice.