Early in the 2016 election season, the Academy launched its nonpartisan get out the vote campaign, #VoteKids, with the goal of being the credible voice for children, whether it be during the presidential debates or in the weeks leading up to Election Day. In the months that followed, pediatricians across the country encouraged others to vote with children’s needs in mind and shared why they planned to #VoteKids in November.
“This election cycle, one thing is certain: Pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists have been standing strong from the very beginning, and at every step of the way have worked tirelessly to make children a meaningful part of the election conversation,” said AAP CEO/Executive Vice President Karen Remley, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., FAAP, in a message shared with all members.
Throughout election season, the Academy used the #VoteKids campaign to keep AAP members informed on what was at stake for children and families, publishing responses to child health questions from both presidential candidates and outlining state ballot measures relevant to children’s health. All of the Academy’s get out the vote tools and resources were shared on www.aap.org/votekids.
On Election Day, the Academy and pediatricians shared #VoteKids messages, photos with their “I Voted” stickers and state polling time infographics on social media, making #VoteKids a leading, visible brand for children when Americans headed to the polls.
Here are some additional highlights from the campaign:
- Nearly 700 #VoteKids messages shared on social media the day before and on Election Day, for a reach of 971,795 users.
- Nine op-eds, letters to the editor and blogs published on why pediatricians choose to #VoteKids.
- More than 1,700 profile pictures changed with the I #VoteKids banner.
- An Advocacy Action Center at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition where pediatricians “cast their ballots for kids” and took #VoteKids photos.
- Residents working to ensure time off from their institutions to vote and AAP chapters doing voter registration drives at their hospitals.
- Nearly 5,000 views on the #VoteKids video, making it the most-viewed AAP video on its YouTube channel.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the #VoteKids campaign. Although children cannot vote, because of these efforts, they did have a voice on Election Day.