GAINESVILLE - It's a disease that will affect 1.6 million Americans this year regardless of their politics.

One organization wants to make sure it's on the minds of voters when they cast their ballots in November.

Tuesday was Cancer Votes Day, a national campaign that seeks to highlight how elections could affect cancer issues.

In Gainesville, it was held at North Florida Regional Medical Center, where organizers passed out pamphlets and stickers, reading "Cancer Votes."

Organizers say cancer is an increasingly an election issue due to Florida's shrinking budget for cancer research, prevention and care.

The campaign Tuesday corresponded with a voter drive at the hospital.

Staff with the Supervisor of Elections office say they were able to help 32 residents either register to vote or update their registrations.