By Mayor Andy Berke, City of Chattanooga

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My family was never involved in politics. When I was growing up, they didn’t go to party meetings, and no one ever ran for office.

But they did understand the importance of voting. My grandparents, as immigrants to the U.S., understood that the right to choose your elected leaders was a key reason why they were freer here than where they were born.

My grandfather talked to me about how important it was, and it made a huge impression on me. As a teenager, he told me about his work as a lawyer for the Hamilton County Election Commission, and how their goal was to make sure that our elections were fair and as many people as possible participated. He was proud of his role to make sure Chattanoogans could exercise their right to vote.

I love voting. Ever since my kids were young enough to know what was happening, I have brought them with me to the polls, trying to transfer a little of what my grandfather gave me to my daughters. As our older daughter votes for the first time this November, I will be thinking of how far my family has come because of the freedoms enshrined in our country.

I hope you get out and join us this fall.

ProTip: Text “CHA Votes” to 97779 for voting information, to make a pledge and a plan to vote, and share your voting story. To learn more about CHA Votes, click here.