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Krista Simonis, League Director of Governmental Affairs
Most of us know the history of the founding of this country: British colonists, disillusioned with the rule of the monarchy and wanting a say in the policies that governed them, decided to form a new nation where people could vote for leadership of the country. Those revolutionary ideas spurred labor and social movements, and eventually, the cooperative principles that helped form the credit union movement.
With our election fast approaching, you have the chance to shape the future of our government. I view voting as both an obligation and a privilege and I am proud to have always worked to encourage everyone to vote—regardless of party.
In 2016 during the Presidential election, I worked on a non-partisan campaign to educate first time voters in Oregon. I knocked on the door of one man, Ronald, who was 84 years old. He was surprised when he received a ballot in the mail and shared with me how he had never voted in an election. When he was in the military, his commanding officer told his unit they were not allowed to vote because it was a conflict of interest. It took some convincing, but together we completed his ballot to cast his vote.
As the results from the east coast were starting to come in, I dropped off my last ballot. This ballot belonged to an 18-year-old woman voting in her very first election. Whether 18 or 84, Republican or Democrat, the strength of our country is dependent on the plurality and diversity of our voices.
I will be voting in person before work on Election Day. I will walk over to my local polling place and fill out my paper ballot. Robert Caverly, Leage Vice President of Advocacy and Outreach, dropped his ballot off last week, while Ellen Parent, League Compliance Director, submitted her ballot by mail. However you vote, I hope you will join me in encouraging others to engage in the electoral process.
To download a Get Out the Vote poster to display in your credit union, please visit Elections (mainecul.org).