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Voting is a fundamental right and an essential part of being an engaged citizen. It allows each of us to have a say in shaping the policies and future of our city, state, and nation.

Tuesday’s ballot will include candidates for the Elizabethton City Election, Tennessee State House and U.S. House as well as president of the United States. All are important elections.

We have just experienced a devastating flood in Carter County and Northeast Tennessee…one that has left many people homeless, roads washed out, and the heavily traveled Broad Street Bridge closed. What we hear every day is that the state is working on it. But contracts to rebuild bridges in Washington County and Greene County that were destroyed by the floods have already been approved.

We need our representatives to push for a new bridge on Broad Street across Doe River if that is what is needed. It appears that our next representative will be Renea Jones of Erwin as she is unopposed in the Fourth District House race. Sen. Rusty Crowe, who is not on the ballot in this race, needs to step up and push for some action toward re-opening the bridge. He needs to make his voice heard in Nashville and his face seen in Carter County.

This is an important election locally and statewide, but also nationally. A record number of Carter Countians voted early, letting us know they want their voice to be heard. Voting is important, it’s your say on who you would like to represent you at the local, state, and national level. In this country, voting is a fundamental right, an essential part of being an engaged citizen. It allows you to have a way in shaping the policies and future of our community, state, and country. Regardless of age (as long as you’re 18!), ethnicity, or background, every person has the power to make a difference through their vote. 

Voting provides us with the opportunity to express our opinions and choose representatives who will make decisions on our behalf. By casting a vote, you have a chance to select leaders who align with your values and who will work towards addressing the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your community. It is through this democratic process that the collective voice of the people is heard.

Through voting, you have the power to shape the policies and laws that govern your communities. Elected officials rely on the votes and voices of their constituents to help shape their policy decisions. By actively participating in the voting process, you can help shape legislation on topics such as education, healthcare, the environment, and countless other topics on local and national levels – issues that impact our everyday lives. 

Voting is an essential tool for holding elected officials accountable for their actions. Don’t like what your state senator had to say about an issue you care about? Don’t like how your mayor’s office treated you when you called to voice your opinion? Casting a vote allows you to let that be known! Our elected representatives are supposed to reflect our values, and if your current representative doesn’t, you can work to vote them out! Regular elections give voters the ability to choose new leaders if they feel their current representatives are not fulfilling their duties, or are failing to uphold the promises they made during their campaign.

When more people participate in elections, the outcome is a more accurate reflection of public opinion. Your vote creates a chain reaction that empowers your friends and family to vote as well! By casting your vote, and encouraging those around you to do the same, you contribute to creating a government that is representative and responsive to the needs and desires of all of its citizens, not just a select few. Voting allows your opinions and values to turn into concrete change in your communities. Voting is a gateway to increased civic engagement. When voters participate in elections, they often become more aware of political issues, policies, and the overall functioning of their government. Voting serves as a catalyst for further engagement, encouraging individuals to become informed about the candidates and issues at hand. It also inspires people to join community organizations, engage in meaningful discussions, and participate in activism to drive positive change. Overall, voting improves our communities through collective action!

There’s a lot at stake in this election, at the local level, state, and nationally. Vote, and let those people on Tuesday’s ballot know you care about what is happening in government, and let your voice be heard.

Your vote carries the power to influence policies, hold leaders accountable, and create a more inclusive society.

If you have not voted in this election, make sure you do so Tuesday.