The Election is Coming, Make a Plan to Vote

[Link]A Message from WFBF's Brad Olson

As we approach the upcoming elections on Nov. 5, the importance of casting your vote has never been more crucial. This year, with newly redrawn voting maps for Assembly and Senate districts, your vote holds even more significance. Many of us in agriculture might think, "What difference does my vote make?" However, with fresh candidates in some districts and incumbents facing new challenges in others, now is the time to ensure your voice is heard. Agriculture doesn't belong to one party-it spans both sides of the political aisle. It is up to us to carefully research each candidate and understand their stance on agriculture before we cast our votes.

The redistricting means that in many areas across the state, new candidates are running in districts they may not have represented before. This makes it critical to learn about their positions on agriculture. Having pro-agriculture legislators on both sides of the aisle is vital for the strength and future of farming in Wisconsin. We must do our homework, build relationships with these candidates and support those who prioritize the issues that affect our rural communities and agricultural livelihoods.

As harvest season approaches and the busy months of fall take over, it can be easy for election day to be put on the back burner. For many of us, our minds are on the crops, not politics. But I encourage you to consider early voting or even casting an absentee ballot. While I understand that many rural voters prefer to vote in person at the polls, early voting options are available to make it easier for those of us with demanding schedules. Agriculture has historically had one of the lowest voter turnouts of any demographic. It's time we turn that around by using our voices and casting our ballots.

Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can ensure our interests are represented at the state and national levels. Think your vote doesn't matter? It does. Without it, our voice goes unheard. Every vote from the agricultural community contributes to policies that shape our livelihoods. If we want to have a say in the future of farming in Wisconsin, we must get out and vote.

As farm families and rural citizens, our concerns-whether they be about sustainability, fair market practices or rural infrastructure-must be represented in the legislature. By voting, we can influence policies that promote a thriving agricultural community.

This year don't leave your future to chance. As you prepare for Nov. 5, I urge you to take the time to research your candidates, use early voting or absentee voting if needed and ensure you stand to be counted.

Farm Bureau does have resources to help you. The American Farm Bureau rolled out a questionnaire from the presidential candidates last month. You can find that here: www.fb.org/presidential-candidate-questionnaire.

We also have the Volunteers for Agriculture®. VFA is Wisconsin Farm Bureau's political action committee. The VFA builds strong relationships with legislators of both parties to help us achieve our legislative priorities. It is the leading farm-related and rural-focused political action committee in Wisconsin supporting a diverse range of candidates who fight for farm families.

This Committee along with the WFBF has rolled out their endorsements. You can find them on page 6-7 of this magazine and the full list is also online here: wfbf.com/policy/vfa/volunteers-for-agriculture-legislative-endorsements.

Together, we can continue to advocate for a bright future for Wisconsin agriculture.

[Link]Olson was elected President of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2023. He is a crop farmer near Frederic in Polk County.This article originally appeared in the October | November 2024 Rural Route issue.