Just in case you were living under a rock, this year is an election year.
This is a big one — a presidential election.
It’s not an overstatement to say the decisions made in Washington, D.C. affect us all.
Election Day is Nov. 5, so we have a few months before we head to the polls.
But September is special because Sept. 17 is National Voter Registration Day.
If you aren’t registered to vote, this month is the perfect time to do just that.
Mississippi’s electric cooperatives want to help members register because it’s important.
Why?
Too often policy decisions made today disproportionately reflect the interests of large utility companies in urban areas. As members and owners of our co-ops, we understand the distinct local challenges we face, and are uniquely responsive to our communities in ways that other utilities are not.
That’s why we need to register to vote and make our voice known.
We need to make sure both our state and federal lawmakers and regulatory officials understand our unique cooperative needs, so we can continue to provide reliable and affordable power to our communities.
Many younger people in the state, who are hitting 18 or are a few years older, might not be registered to vote.
To that end, some of our local electrical cooperatives will be stationed at community colleges to get those folks registered. The future belongs to all of us, so we all need to vote to ensure our priorities, values, and perspectives are addressed.
The Sept. 17 voter registration drives are not the only way your electric cooperatives want to assist members in having a say in the future course of Mississippi.
We want to help members become better informed voters.
Our Co-ops Vote MS initiative and website makes it easier for members to get informed and to participate in the democratic process.
The website — coopsvotems.com — features quick links to important voting information including where to register to vote, our current elected officials, what elections are occurring this year, and videos of statewide elected officials talking about the importance of voting, and what they do on a day-to-day basis.
I’ve said this before, and I’m going to say it again. Voting is a form of participation, and every qualified man and woman in Mississippi should not only cast their vote, but care enough to understand who they are voting for and why.
You have the POWER to
Register. Be informed. Vote.
On another quick note, this issue is our second annual travel issue. If you’re looking for something to do on a weekend day, hop on The Natchez Trace Parkway and visit one of the many special locations or sites just off this 444-mile jewel.
We hope you enjoy the issue.
