Tuesday, November 3, 2020, is Election Day, the culmination of many months of campaigning for local, state, and national positions. Many Americans will vote well before election day, via mail and early in-person voting. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the elections is uncertain. Not only will this pandemic influence who we elect for various positions, but it will also affect how we vote and the manner in which we vote. Given the current challenges facing the United States and countries across the globe, these elections will be very consequential.

 

As Abramovitz et al. (2019) noted in their research on social work voter mobilization, “The social work profession has always known that voting supports a robust democracy, a just society, and an equitable welfare state” (p. 624). In this article, I will explore how the six core values of social work (as stated in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, 2018) can be used to inform our participation as social workers in the current election processes.

 

Social justice may be defined in terms of equity or fairness in how wealth, opportunities, rights, responsibilities, privileges, and hardships are apportioned among various individuals and groups in society. Standard 6.04(a) of the NASW Code guides social workers to participate in social and political action “to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully.” Standard 6.04(b) implores social workers to act in a manner that expands “choice and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups.” Standard 6.04(c) states that social workers “should promote conditions that encourage respect for cultural and social diversity within the United States and globally.” Standard 6.04(d) states that social workers “should act to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person, group, or class on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability.”

 

Together, these standards suggest not only that social workers should vote for candidates who support social justice, but that they should also support candidates and groups who promote each of these elements of social justice. The code does not dictate which party or which individuals to support. As social workers, we need to use our own analysis, critical thinking, and decision-making to determine whom to support and how.

 

One of the most empowering ways to advocate for social justice is to ensure that all Americans 18 years of age and older have a right to vote and the ability to participate in the vote. When laws or administrative decisions make it more difficult for particular groups to participate in the vote—by virtue of race, poverty, party affiliation, or any other discriminatory factor—we should be at the forefront of advocacy to overturn these laws and decisions. When certain individuals or groups lack information, transportation, or other resources to participate in elections, we should work with community groups that connect people with these resources, so they can exercise their right to vote.

 

 

Integrity refers to being honest, credible, and trustworthy. As social workers, we should support candidates who embrace and model these aspects of integrity. Some might argue that all politicians lie, break the law, or breach the public trust. Perhaps this statement is true in the sense that no politician has a perfect score on integrity. Still, we should gather credible evidence and use our critical thinking to determine which candidates display the most integrity—even when there are some significant concerns. We should avoid the temptation to skip voting or skip advocating simply because no candidate displays perfect integrity. Not voting and not speaking up may lead to the least qualified and least moral person being elected.