Happy National Voter Registration Day!

Five Easy Ways to Exercise Your Civic Duty

America’s electric cooperatives, including Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, understand the value of building relationships with elected officials at all levels of government. There are many important policy issues that 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 ECEC is a locally-owned cooperative, we’re part of a larger network of electric co-ops. Together we’re working to enhance the political strength of electric co-ops and boost voter turnout. There’s power in numbers, and 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 simply 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.
3. Get active on social media. Follow @coopsvote on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and 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 a National Voter Registration Day event (visit www.nationalvoterregistrationday.org/events), volunteer to be a poll worker during midterm elections or offer to drive others to their polling places.
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.

On October 4, join Eau Claire Energy Cooperative , along with Eau Claire Area EDC, Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, and the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, at the Candidates Energy Forum. Attendees will hear from local candidates about issues concerning the electric utility industry in a discussion about energy issues with the area's state legislative candidates. We encourage everyone, regardless of political beliefs, to vote, stand up for our local community and make a collective impact.