The importance of director election voting
I want to share some thoughts with you this month on the importance of participating in the director election, for which voting begins September 11. Though the voting portion of the election doesn’t begin for a few weeks, there have been important activities going on behind the scenes for months now – all to select the most qualified slate of candidates from which to consider.
There was a television commercial a few years ago that talked about “membership has its rewards”. The same holds true of membership in Rio Grande Electric Co-op. The kind of “rewards” we’re talking about is not just the return of capital credits, which is certainly not to dismiss the value of monetary rewards, but there are other kinds of rewards which are equally important. Rewards in the form of having a voice in how this business, of which you are a part-owner, is governed, and the direction it takes in the future are not to be overlooked.
The customers of for-profit utilities don’t have a say in who sits on the board of directors. They do not have advisory committees made up of consumers just like them, who ultimately help select candidates for their boards, and they certainly do not get to vote to determine the final outcome of who governs the business. They must simply pay their bills, with never any opportunity for input.
You do have a voice in the Cooperative, and it’s very important to the health and vitality of Rio Grande that you exercise that voice by voting in the director election. Last year, the participation rate in the director election was up from the previous year by 3.48% points. That’s certainly a step in the right direction, however, with over 7,000 eligible to vote, only 994 exercised their vote, for a total participation rate of 14.11%. I truly think that we can do better than that.
Is Rio Grande perfect? We strive to be, but let’s face it, there is always room for improvement. The priorities we set and projects we undertake are always ultimately determined and approved by the board of directors. If members believe that the Co-op should be heading in a different direction, have different priorities, or otherwise disagree with the status quo, they have the right – and the responsibility – to voice their opinions. The same holds true of voting in favor of the direction the Cooperative is currently headed. Yes, you can voice your opinions to the member advisory committee, the board of directors, RGEC management, etc., but the best way to make your voice heard is through casting your vote in the director election.
This year, we are implementing yet another way to make it easy for you to vote. The company we’ve contracted with to conduct the election again this year, Survey and Ballot Systems, will be sending out director election text messages with a direct link to cast your vote. You will need to opt in to receive these messages, so your cell phone number must be tied to your account. If you need to update your account information with your cell phone number, you may do so through the Secure Pay phone system, (888) 259-9084. Press Option #2 to update your phone number. Be on the lookout for the opt-in link in mid-August to provide your information to SBS and agree to receive text message voting invites for the election. Members who opt-in will receive text messages from SBS at (888) 788-1323. (You may opt-out of reminder text message alerts upon request at any time.)
Why does Rio Grande go to such lengths to encourage participation in the election? Because we want to be what you want us to be. Pure and simple. The voting period opens September 11 and runs through October 11. So this year, whether you vote by mail, online, or take advantage of the text messaging link, be sure to vote!
The deadline for filing by petition for a place on the director election ballot is 8/10/23.