CEO, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association
Early this month we will pause to celebrate the 248th anniversary of our nation’s independence. I hope the coming days will be filled with family, food and fireworks. I also encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the history of our nation and the values that make it distinct.
On Independence Day, we honor the courage and vision of our Founding Fathers who fought for freedom and the right to self-governance. Establishing an independent nation was no small undertaking.
America’s founders had to balance diverse viewpoints, address deep-seated fears of tyranny and etch out a framework that allowed for both unity and individual liberty. The value of a representative republic, as envisioned by these leaders, lies in its core promise: the power to shape one’s own destiny through active participation and representation.
What does it mean to be “active” in government? It is an important question to consider, especially in an election year.
In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, despite a record turnout, about 80 million eligible Americans did not vote. This means that roughly one-third of eligible voters sat on the sidelines during the election. This would be a painful statistic to those who fought so hard for democracy.
If you are not registered to vote, I encourage you to do so. Tuesday, July 2, is the deadline to register for the Aug. 1 primary election, and Sunday, Oct. 6, is the deadline to register for the Nov. 5 general election. Registering is easy. You can learn how to or even register online at govoteTN.gov or by downloading the GoVoteTN app. Learn about candidates and the issues they represent, and be prepared to cast an informed vote during the next election.
As I have mentioned before in this column, being active in democracy means more than just voting in national contests. It includes participating in local elections as well — school board, county commission and your electric cooperative board.
Like our nation, democracy is a core value of your electric co-op. Consumers have the opportunity to vote for the people who represent them on the co-op’s board of directors. These directors have the responsibility to represent their neighbors and friends, and this structure ensures that co-ops remain focused on the people they serve.
Many electric co-ops will have an election in the coming months. Just like with local, state or national elections, I challenge you to learn about the issues and candidates and be prepared to cast an informed vote.
The Founding Fathers had a unique vision for our nation that focused on democracy and self-governance. These values are not only the foundation of our nation but are also at the heart of your electric cooperative.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day.
