My first campaign experience dates back to 1984. I was riding in the back of a ’48 Chevy pickup with my brother holding a sign that read, “Kenny Jones for Sheriff.”
Our job was simple: toss candy to the crowd during the Fourth of July parade. Halfway through, my brother accused me of eating more candy than I was throwing. One thing led to another, and after a scuffle that left me with a bloody nose, I was promoted to the front seat with my dad (who wasn’t too impressed). I learned two important lessons that day:
1. Don’t eat the campaign candy.
2. Politics can get messy.
Fast-forward to today’s election season, and we’ve all been barraged with campaign ads, texts and phone calls. It feels overwhelming — because it is. But here’s the thing: voting isn’t about listening to the loudest message or getting wrapped up in the endless loop of campaign promises. The best piece of voting advice I ever received came from my barber, Roy, who told me, “If you agree 100% with a politician, they’re either lying to you, or you’re lying to yourself.”
That’s good ol’ Moniteau County wisdom right there. Voting isn’t about finding someone who aligns with your every belief; it’s about choosing someone who represents the issues that matter most to you and has the character to stand by their principles.
When I think about who deserves my vote, I look beyond the promises and headlines. I ask myself, “Is this someone who shows up when it matters? Are they willing to make tough decisions, even if they become unpopular?” The best leaders I’ve seen aren’t always the ones who try to win everyone over — they’re the ones who listen and act when it counts, no matter the fallout. When you’re the first one down the road, it can be tough to plow.
I respect anyone who runs for office, whether it’s the school board, electric co-op board or the governor’s office. These folks are stepping up to address problems rather than just simply complaining about them.
They remind me of the farmers in the 1930s who worked together to bring electricity to rural Missouri. They didn’t wait for someone else to take action; they made it happen. This spirit of service is what keeps our co-ops strong and our country moving forward. I know I’m proud to be a member of an organization that asks for my input — and listens to it. Co-ops are great because each member has a vote.
If you’re unsure how to cast your vote, start by looking for the candidate who will step up when the issues are tough. They won’t always have the perfect answer, and you won’t agree with them on everything. But you can trust they’re seeking the office for the right reasons.
Voting isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding someone who shows up, who listens and who, when push comes to shove, does the right thing. And that’s worth more than any campaign promise.
Caleb Jones is the executive vice president and CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. He is a member of Boone Electric Cooperative.