MADISON, Wis. – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 85% of Wisconsin voters view a candidate’s position on access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage as a vote-determining factor.
The poll findings showed that Wisconsinites struggle with medical debt. In Wisconsin, 7 in 10 voters (70%) report they or an immediate family member currently have or have had medica debt. Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research, this poll is a part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes campaign—the country’s leading voter education program for cancer-related issues and policies.
“With two million people in the US expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, it’s more important than ever for voters to make their voices heard on the health care issues that matter to them most,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Policy decisions stand at the very core of many barriers people face during their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Whether it’s voting to support lifesaving cancer research or access to health care and cancer screenings, voters have the power to make cancer issues a top priority this election season.”
“Wisconsin voters clearly understand the importance of affordable health coverage and want their lawmakers to improve access to it,” said Phil O’Brien, a Milwaukee attorney and ACS CAN board member. “Every Wisconsinite should learn more about these critical health care issues and find out where their candidates stand.”
“One solution lawmakers should consider is fully expanding Medicaid,” said Sara Sahli, Wisconsin government relations director for ACS CAN. “Medicaid expansion would put health care in reach for more than 90,000 Wisconsinites in the affordability gap and reduce the number of individuals without health insurance.”
Volunteers for Cancer Votes will be attending candidate events, canvassing neighborhoods, holding rallies and distributing voter guides across the country to help inform voters about their candidates’ positions on cancer issues.
Individuals can register to vote, find their polling location and learn more about the Cancer Votes program and upcoming local events by visiting cancervotes.org. ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party.
View the full details of the polling memo.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
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