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by Cyndie Sirekis

During the 2004 presidential election, slightly more than 50 percent of registered voters went to the polls to choose our nation’s leader for the next four years. That contrasts with years without a presidential election on the ballot, when poll turnout typically drops to about one-third of eligible voters. The same scenario is likely to play out in November, which presents an incredible opportunity for rural voters – farmers and nonfarmers alike – to make their voices heard.

This year Americans will elect 36 state governors, 33 seats in the U.S. Senate and the entire House of Representatives. This year, there is considerable speculation regarding the partisan balance of Congress. In addition, hundreds of officials at the state, county and township levels will be selected.

Although residents of rural America make up 20 to 23 percent of our nation’s population, research shows they tend to turn out at the polls in far greater numbers then their urban and suburban counterparts. If the overall voter apathy trend continues among urban and suburban residents, while rural residents come out to the polls in droves, each vote cast becomes even more significant.

Among rural residents, farmers and ranchers are well-known to have a high level of political activity. As independent business families, they have a lot at stake. While they produce affordable food, fiber and fuel, they also take care of our nation’s land, forests and streams. Together, farmers and nonfarm voters living in the same communities can help make rural America a force to be reckoned with by exercising their right to vote.

Lots of folks are talking about the political balance of Congress. Many special interest groups and organizations are more than happy to tell you how to vote. Compounding the situation is the fact that political candidates running for office can be like chameleons; they often change to blend in with their environment as they seek your vote as the countdown to Election Day nears.

Prime examples of this can be seen throughout rural America, particularly during fair season. We will see candidates scrambling to conjure up heartland imagery – by eating barbecue, shucking sweet corn, milking cows and, yes, kissing babies.

Even so, it’s up to each one of us as voters to dig deeper than the family-friendly images presented by the candidates. We must determine which candidate will do the best job representing rural residents, agriculture and all of America. We need to do that, then get out and vote our conscience. Each vote can and does make a difference.