Wellington, OH (September 19, 2019) — Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative (LMRE) announced that it has been named a “5-Star Co-op” by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).  The 5-star designation recognizes LMRE’s high level of participation in Co-ops Vote, a national get-out-the-vote campaign. The non-partisan campaign seeks to engage voters and boost voter turnout in areas served by electric co-ops all across the country.

“The 5-star Program is designed to encourage our rural voters to make their voices heard through the Co-ops Vote campaign,” said FESCO President Ed VanHoose. “It’s not about a political party affiliation. Our cooperatives simply want to ensure our members have every opportunity to vote on those issues affecting them.”

“Electric cooperatives play a unique and special role as a voice in their communities,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “Elections are important, especially in rural areas, and Lorain-Medina has used the Co-ops Vote program to increase awareness of our civic duty on Election Day, and every day.  I’m pleased to congratulate them on this accomplishment as they make a real difference in the communities they serve.” 

Five-star status marks the highest level of engagement in Co-ops Vote and is achieved when a participating co-op completes at least five activities under the program.  LMRE earned this distinction by doing at least five of the following activities:

1. 1. Promoted campaign on social media
   2. Hosted a candidate or elected official Meet & Greet
   3. Distributed Co-ops Vote materials at a community event
   4. Hosted or participate in a voter registration drive
   5. Set up a booth at annual meeting
   6. Displayed a poster/material in Co-op lobby

The Co-ops Vote program can make a difference in our community. More information on Co-ops Vote is available at www.vote.coop.

About NRECA
NRECA is the service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. With 42 million members in 47 states, electric co-ops can stand together as a powerful voice in this year’s elections.