TFBF Encourages Members to Vote

As the August election approaches rather quickly, Tennessee Farm Bureau encourages members to take an active role in elections and ensure rural voices are heard by casting an informed vote. The future of Tennessee agriculture depends on elected leaders understanding challenges and opportunities facing rural communities, and every vote helps shape that future.

That and so much more is why iFarmiVote has been a major initiative of the organization for more than a decade now. The goal is to encourage farmers and rural people to vote and ensure agriculture's voice is heard at the ballot box. And as Tennessee voters prepare for the upcoming election, the message remains the same: rural vote matters.

Now, regarding this upcoming election, some would probably say it will be unlike any other in recent memory. Following action by the Tennessee General Assembly in early May, several congressional district boundaries were redrawn ahead of the 2026 election. While every district experienced some level of adjustment, the most significant changes occurred in West and Middle Tennessee, particularly in the areas surrounding Shelby County and Davidson County. Voters in Memphis saw their congressional representation dramatically reshaped, while many folks in Nashville and surrounding counties now find themselves voting in different congressional districts than in previous elections.

As a result of this redistricting, many Tennesseans find themselves represented by a different congressional district than in previous elections and may see unfamiliar names of their ballot come August. That's why Tennessee Farm Bureau, alongside Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tennessee Electric Cooperative, recently hosted a serious of congressional candidate forums across the state.

Three forums featuring the 5^th, 6^th and 9^th congressional districts provided Farm Bureau members and other community leaders with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent Tennessee in Congress and learn where they stand on issues important to agriculture and commerce. Similar forums have long been a part of Farm Bureau's commitment to connecting members with those seeking public office, and with the drastic changes so close to the election, the organization found it critical to quickly pull these three together.

"We say it all the time - our organization's strength is from the grassroots level," said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry. "So, it is our job to ensure we have an informed membership that will give agriculture a strong voice in our government, and we believe these forums provide our grassroots leaders with the opportunity to hear from candidates before heading to the polls."

All three forums provided attendees with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates, ask questions and learn where they stand on issues affecting agriculture, rural communities and family farms. While Tennessee Farm Bureau does not endorse candidates, the organization remains committed to educating voters and encouraging participation in the electoral process.

Early voting will begin soon, which means it's extremely important for members to verify their voter registration status, confirm their polling location and review their congressional district now. iFarmiVote.com has resources regarding redistricting and voter information, plus you can download an iFarmiVote sign and order iFarmiVote merchandise from the Farm Bureau Store.

Together, we can ensure Tennessee agriculture continues to have a strong voice in Washington, D.C., Nashville and at all local levels.