Rx Democracy! Weighs in on Florida Legislation

Dr. Rishi Manchanda, founder of our partner Rx Democracy! recently responded to proposed legislation in Florida (House Bill 1355--which has been passed--and Senate Bill 2086) and explained why all medical professionals should take note.

In addition to making it more difficult for "college students, military personnel, low-income and minority voters and anyone who might change addresses" to vote, Manchanda believes that the proposed law will also negatively effect health professionals. Like all working Americans, health professionals benefit from the flexibility of early voting options and in Florida about a third of voters cast their ballot before Election Day in 2008.

Proponents of the legislation argue that new measures are needed to prevent voter fraud, but Manchanda points out that between January 2008 and March 2011 there were 31 cases of alleged voter fraud, with only three resulting in arrests. In fact, "it is more likely that a person will be struck by lightning than be impersonated by another voter at the polls."

Rx Democracy! believes that a strong democratic process and high levels of participation, particularly among the most vulnerable, are essential for creating healthy communities. Read the full piece, also available via the Huffington Post.

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