A recent Pew Research Center survey found that most Americans believe that voting is a fundamental part of American democracy.
When asked what was required to be a good citizen, voting polled higher than following the law, helping others and knowing the Pledge of Allegiance.
Voting has the ability to affect policy, impact war and shape your everyday life through taxes, education and healthcare.
Casting a ballot is a small action with mighty consequences.
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Tennesseans will cast their ballots. This is a powerful opportunity to influence the direction of our state and nation, and I hope you will join your neighbors and friends at the polls. It is an important part of being an American citizen.
Voting is also fundamental to your electric cooperative.
Tennessee’s electric cooperatives are led by boards composed of members who buy their energy from the co-op. The board establishes and oversees our policies and procedures and has the ultimate responsibility for the decisions made at the co-op.
The leadership and oversight of the boards ensure that the cooperatives are responsive to the needs and desires of the communities they serve.
Our co-ops need wise and conscientious decision-makers to serve on their boards, and this means that voting is important for your co-op as well.
Every year, electric cooperative members have the opportunity to vote for members of their boards.
Co-ops appreciate their boards for the time and counsel they provide, but, more importantly, I want to thank each consumer who takes the time to vote for members to represent him or her on the board.
Voting has power — for our country, our community and our co-op.
