Mask Your Face, Not Your Voice This Election

Fall has arrived. Like everything about 2020, this fall is unlike years past because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted everything from the new academic year to welcoming a new class of students to UCSF School of Dentistry. The 2020 election also will be unique with new health implications for voting safely during the pandemic, including a new state process where every registered voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. 

On Nov. 3 – Election Day – I urge you to participate in our country's longstanding tradition of voting for our elected leaders and on decisions for our communities. What and who you vote for is a personal decision that you must make. This is not a political argument to try to sway your vote. Each of you is an intelligent and accomplished individual who understands civic duty. My only hope is that this message will inspire you to vote – period. 

As U.S. citizens and health care leaders, we all have an obligation to participate in democracy. This year's election will not only decide our next U.S. president, vice president, congressional representatives; state assembly and senate; and San Francisco and Oakland council members – it will decide the fate of important health initiatives for our state and our patients. 

This year's election will take on crucial local questions that include allocating state bonds for stem cell and medical research; instituting state requirements for kidney dialysis clinics; and allowing diversity to factor into public employment, education and public contracting. 

Advancing patient care, health, science, and education are missions of UCSF. We're also committed to encouraging civic participation throughout our community. Elections give us the opportunity to increase engagement and empower our community. As UCSF learners, faculty and staff, we must protect our UCSF missions in all aspects of life – especially with our vote. 

You can find out if you're registered to vote at ucsf.edu/vote. Don't forget to confirm you're registered with an updated mailing address by the Oct. 19 deadline. (Counties will begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots on Oct. 5.) You also can encourage your colleagues to vote with materials like flyers, posters and templates from the UCSF Votes Campaign. 

And remember – mask your face, not your voice, and vote.