Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that today is Election Day.
I hope you plan to step away from your daily chores for a moment and vote — unless you’ve taken advantage of an early voting opportunity and already cast your ballot.
Historically, midterm elections only see about two-thirds of the voters that presidential elections do. But this year, analysts are expecting a record turnout. Be a voter who turns out.
If you haven’t researched the candidates — or heard enough political ads on the radio — most local Farm Bureau and Farmers Union organizations have a list of endorsed candidates who have a proven track record of being friends of agriculture. At the very least, they have a collection of legislative priorities.
If you’re not sure where to vote, the Voting Information Tool can help you find your poll location.
And, while we’re talking about voting, this national election isn’t your only opportunity to exercise your right to vote.
Many cooperatives will hold their elections in the next couple months.
From the numbers I’ve seen in my cooperative, voter turnout in cooperative elections could be much, much better. Learn about the candidates in your district or region and cast your ballot.
Democratic governance requires engaged voters. Be one.
The author is a dairy farmer and writer from central Minnesota. She farms with her husband, Glen, and their three children. Sadie grew up on a dairy farm in northern Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in agricultural communications and marketing. She also blogs at Dairy Good Life.
