Election Season in Farm Country

By Bailey Corwine @ByBaileyCorwine

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or logged so many hours in a tractor seat you’ve forgotten what day it is, you probably don’t need to be reminded that there’s an election coming up. That’s right, in less than one week, Americans will head to the polls to participate in our country’s sacred tradition of casting our ballots to decide who will lead us.

Tuesday, Nov. 3, may seem like it is too close to prepare for, but I assure you there is still time. While voter registration is closed in many states, there are some states that allow same-day voter registration. North Dakota does not require voters to register at all.

This is a critical time for our country, and for farmers and ranchers.

Much like voter registration, in most states it’s not too late to vote by mail. If you’ve already requested a mail-in ballot (and you’re required to do so by your state), most states will count your vote as long as your ballot is received by election day. However, due to an expected influx of mail during the final days before the election, it’s a good idea to go ahead and mail your ballot as soon as possible. Do you have a stamp? If so, send your ballot today!

Finally, whether you’re heading to the polls or marking your choices at home, don’t forget to vote for every office on your ballot. While much of the national media has focused on the presidential election, state and local elections are just as important, especially in rural areas. Down-ballot races, like those for state legislatures and county officials, are often overlooked but can actually have more of an impact on citizens’ everyday lives. Many state and county Farm Bureaus offer resources to help you learn about the candidates for state and local office.

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It’s important that the voices of America’s farmers and ranchers are heard. Your vote has an impact for your nation, your state and your community. Learn more at fb.org/vote. #iFarmiVote @cafarmbureau member @ladyfarmer8

A post shared by American Farm Bureau (@americanfarmbureau) on Sep 10, 2020 at 7:46am PDT

Still undecided about which box to check at the top of the ballot? Check out AFBF’s Presidential Candidate Questionnaire to learn how each candidate for the nation’s highest office responded to questions directly related to agriculture and rural America.

This is a critical time for our country, and for farmers and ranchers. We’ve seen a pandemic disrupt our supply chains and upend our markets, highlighted agriculture’s resilience through the #StillFarming social media campaign, navigated new trade relationships, celebrated 100 years of American Farm Bureau, and so much more throughout the last four years. To help decide what the next four years, and beyond, look like for American agriculture, get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Make your voice heard!

To check your voter registration status, find mail-in ballot information, and the hours polling locations are open in your state, visit AFBF’s iFarmiVote toolkit at fb.org/advocacy/vote/.

Bailey Corwine is media relations specialist at the American Farm Bureau Federation.