Five Easy Ways to Exercise Your Civic Duty

September 20 is National Voter Registration Day

America’s electric cooperatives, including Benton REA, understand the value of building relationships with elected officials at all levels of government. Many important policy issues directly impact electric utilities and ultimately, you, the consumer-members we proudly serve. Strengthening our relationships with elected leaders positions us to advocate for our local community.

While Benton REA is a locally-owned cooperative, we’re part of a larger network of electric co-ops. We
work to enhance the political strength of electric co-ops and boost voter turnout. There’s power in numbers. When we all show up at the polls, we can voice the issues that matter most to our community.

National Voter Registration Day is September 20, and midterm elections are right around the corner. If you’re looking to get involved or to make sure you’re ready to vote, here are five easy ways you can exercise your civic duty.

1. Don’t assume your voter registration status is up to date. Visit www.vote.coop, then click “Election Resources” to verify your status.
2. Get informed. In addition to ensuring your registration is up to date, learning about local policy issues and candidates is one of the best ways you can prepare to vote. You can visit www.VoicesForCooperativePower.com. Click the “Issues” tab. Here you can stay informed and take action on policy decisions that will shape your access to affordable, reliable, local energy.
3. Get active on social media. Follow @coopsvote and @voices4coops on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Let others know you’re a #coopvoter and #VoteReady. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.
4. Help others prepare to vote. Work at a National Voter Registration Day event. Visit www.NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org to find or host an event near you.
5. Vote! It’s the easiest—and most important—way you can exercise your civic duty. Voting is a form of personal empowerment that gives you the opportunity to voice your opinion on the issues that matter most to you. Make a plan to vote and help others in our community get #VoteReady.

Benton REA encourages everyone, regardless of political beliefs, to vote, stand up for our local community and make a collective impact.