Are You a Co-op Voter?

Voting is in our DNA as co-op members. It’s how we maintain an electric utility, which is responsive to you, the member. Voting also plays a crucial part in how our government is run. Every election offers us an opportunity to exercise our civic responsibility and select the best leaders for our communities.

This year’s election is going to be a big one, with federal, state and local races on the ballot. Co-op members can ensure that elected officials in our communities understand the issues we face.

As co-op members, we can practice Concern for Community — one of our seven Cooperative Principles — by ensuring our political system continues to produce a government “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

“Each of our voices matters, 
but we’ll only be heard if we make the choice to speak up.”

When we take the time to vote, we tell our elected officials what matters to us and our communities. Reliable electricity, rural infrastructure and access to rural broadband are just a few of the issues we all care about. Our elected officials will only recognize these priorities if we make our voices heard.

Casting our vote, whether on Election Day, during early voting or by absentee ballot, is the most effective way to send this message.

Over the last several weeks, I have seen firsthand how co-op employees and members can effectively encourage our communities to vote. Here at Roanoke Electric, we held a voter drive to increase participation by our members. We have also joined other NC electric co-ops in sharing important voter deadlines on social media.

NC electric co-ops along with more than 900 other co-ops across the country participate in the Co-ops Vote campaign to help get out the vote, and to promote issues important to co-ops and our communities. This effort will ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear every day — and especially on Election Day.

We have the opportunity to continue this dialogue with a variety of candidates this year, and now is the perfect time to ask these candidates: “What will you do to ensure we continue to have affordable and reliable electricity in our community?”

With Election Day only a few days away on Tuesday, November 3, now is the perfect time to make sure you are ready to vote. You can visit ncsbe.gov to confirm your voter registration, find your polling place, and review your sample ballot. Once you are ready to vote, check with your family, neighbors and friends, and encourage them to do the same.

Each of our voices matters, but we’ll only be heard if we make the choice to speak up.

You can help us spread the word before November 3 by following NC Co-ops Vote on Facebook and Twitter and sharing important voter information with your friends and family. Add your voice to the 42 million co-op members across the nation to ensure that electric co-ops are a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact.

In addition to following NC Co-ops Vote on social media, check with your local co-op office about other materials like Co-ops Vote buttons or bumper stickers that can help let your community know that you’re a Co-op Voter. I hope to see you at the polls!