Director elections are right around the corner, and nominating committees have been busy. The committees review a list of those interested in running for the board, based on results of the Member Involvement Survey, distributed in January. They may choose to approach other Co-op members, who they feel would be an asset to the board. They use every means at their disposal to come up with the best slate of candidates.
Nominating Committees
Director District 1 (Seat currently vacant)
- Carl Fisher (Chairman)
- Don Farmer
- Doric Jackson
Director District 3 (Seat currently held by Jamie Ballew)
- Donna Schuster (Chairman)
- Bill and Carolyn Conoly
- Ralph Gomez
Director District 4A (Seat currently held by Margarita Nelson)
- Jesus Azua (Chairman)
- Clifford Spencer
- Pat Fritz
Director District 7 (Seat currently Tim Edwards)
- Debbie Aufdengarten (Chairman)
- Charles Angell
- Frederick Bayler, Big Bend Natural History Association
Each person recommended by the nominating committees, running by petition, or as a write-in candidate, must meet the same eligibility requirements listed in the RGEC Bylaws, which can be found online on our website.
Running By Petition
There is another way to become a candidate, and that is to file by petition. To do so, a member must meet the same eligibility criteria as those candidates selected by the nominating committees. 15 or more members from the district in which a petitioner is seeking a seat must sign the petition. The affidavit of eligibility and signatures must be submitted to Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC) by August 10, 2022. Petition Materials can be found under the “Forms” tab on our website. Those who meet the deadline, are certified as candidates, and who provide a bio and photos, will be included in the Candidate Profiles, which accompany both the online and mailed ballots. Profiles may also be featured in the September edition of Ranch and Rural Living Magazine.
Write-In Candidacy
There has been at least one successful write-in campaign, which resulted in election to the board. In order to become a director in this way, a member must meet the qualifications in the RGEC Bylaws, and complete an affidavit of eligibility upon being elected.
Voting
Voting begins at 10 A.M. (Central) September 6, and closes October 5, at 10 a.m. (Central). Remember, you have the option of casting your ballot by mail or electronically, but one membership still equals one vote!
If you plan to cast your ballot electronically, please add the following domain to your safe senders list: directvote.net. RGEC has contracted Survey and Ballot Systems to conduct the election this year, it is very important that you update your safe senders/ whitelist in order to ensure you are able to receive all RGEC electronic election materials. Results of the election will be announced during the emPOWER Summit, RGEC’s 77th Annual Meeting, Saturday, October 8.
File by petition deadline: August 10, 2022.
Are you interested in being on the Co-op board? You have until August 10 to file by petition for a place on the ballot. For more information call (800) 749-1509, or visit our website.