What does it mean to be civically engaged? Does it mean showing up to the polls every four years to cast a vote for the president of the United States? Does it mean showing up to Tennessee polls sometimes three times a year to vote for everything from judges to state senators? Based on August 1’s primary data, most Tennesseans likely only engage in the former. And yet, the decisions made at the Tennessee state capitol affect us all more immediately and more acutely.
Tennessee’s August 1 primary (based on where you reside) could have had you voting for your U.S. senator, U.S. congressperson, state senator, state house representative, school board member, and more. While some of these seats ran unopposed, many did not, which underscores the importance of participation. Early numbers showed roughly 68,000 people cast a ballot. That’s a little more than 13% of the currently half-a-million registered voters in the county. Statewide Tennessee continues to come in dead last for voter participation.
In today’s world of bite-sized news clips feeding us a steady stream of national politics, it’s no wonder so many of us feel completely turned off by local information. With many folks no longer watching local television or reading local news, some may not have even known a primary was being held.
I believe Realtors could play a pivotal role in leading, organizing, and encouraging civic participation across our state. Many of us share neighborhood info with our clients once they’ve purchased their homes. Maybe it’s trash collection, neighborhood schools, or contractor recommendations. What if we also let our buyers know when their neighborhood association meets what city council district they’re zoned for or what state house district they now fall in? This is completely bipartisan information that encourages civic engagement.
Before this primary election, I sent each of my clients who closed within the last year a postcard with their personal district information, along with important voting dates, and a QR code linking them to the Tennessee General Assembly so they could look up their current representatives themselves. This was not only an excellent way for me to reach out to past clients, but it served as a reminder for an upcoming election that many folks may not have been aware of.
Continuing to have conversations with all of our communities about the importance and responsibility of civic engagement shouldn’t happen only every four years. Hopping off the sidelines and becoming involved at various levels of local government ensures a thriving Tennessee democracy for us all.
Colleen Weiss is a member of The Jones Group at MW Real Estate Co. She resides in East Nashville with her husband and two daughters.
