Our co-op’s number one priority is providing our members with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. But doing this job requires a lot more than stringing and maintaining power lines throughout our service territory. It requires political engagement. That may seem far removed from our mission, but it is essential to serving you.

That is why your cooperative is participating in a national program of America’s electric cooperatives called Co-ops Vote. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the service organization representing the nation’s electric co-ops, launched Co-ops Vote in 2016. Today this movement continues to be strong and encourages all co-op members to participate in national, state and local elections while educating candidates and elected officials about the role the electric cooperatives play in their communities.

As a member-owner of an electric cooperative, you understand the importance that your voice has in the cooperative. You exercise your right to vote each year at our annual meeting. Through participation in our democracy at a co-op, state or national level, when you vote you are showing concern for community ­— one of the seven cooperatives principles.

KV REMC’s participation in Co-ops Vote helps to ensure that rural issues remain part of the national discussion-and are supported by our elected officials. But Co-ops Vote isn’t just for co-ops. It’s for co-op members just like you. We all need to get involved so that we can make positive things happen politically in our local communities.

We encourage you to participate by registering to vote and committing to cast your ballot on November 6. If you are interested in getting more involved or want to learn more about this movement, visit action.indianaec.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the polls on Election Day.