Pee Dee Electric’s number one priority is providing our members with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. But doing this job requires a lot more than maintaining power lines throughout our service territory. It requires political engagement. That may seem far removed from our core mission, but it’s absolutely essential to serving you, our members.

Donnie Spivey, CEO and Executive Vice President

That’s why we’re participating in a national program of America’s electric cooperatives called Co-ops Vote. Co-ops Vote encourages all co-op members to participate in national, state, and local elections while educating political candidates and elected officials about the important role played by electric cooperatives in their communities.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the service organization representing the nation’s electric co-ops, launched Co-ops Vote in 2016. The campaign started as a national non-partisan, get-out-the-vote initiative that has been helping drive rural voter turnout since the 2016 presidential election.

Through this program, electric co-ops realized they had a unique advantage: As co-ops, the civic responsibility of voting is in our DNA. We show concern for community—one of the seven cooperative principles—through participation in our democracy.

Co-ops have another advantage. Elected officials and decision-makers across the political spectrum trust us because of the work the electric cooperative family has put into political engagement. When we all get involved, we can make things happen politically and in our local communities.

Our participation in Co-ops Vote helps to ensure that rural issues remain part of the national discussion—and are supported by our elected officials. But Co-ops Vote isn’t just for co-ops. It’s for co-op members just like you.

Here at Pee Dee Electric, we want to see civic engagement in our rural communities increase. We want to give you what you need to make informed decisions about candidates at all levels of government, not just the presidential race. And we want you to know more about the issues that could impact our local communities.

You can participate by registering to vote and committing to cast your ballot in future elections. If you’re already registered, go vote on November 2 and have your voice heard this Election Day. If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming elections and getting more involved visit vote.coop. We look forward to seeing you at the polls on Election Day!