SDCEA Election Guide 

SDCEA Board of Directors

Election Guide 

Welcome, SDCEA members!

With the Board of Directors Election right around the corner, it’s crucial that you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need to participate effectively in the democratic process of electing the board that will steer the cooperative into the future. Let’s dive into the essential information:

This year, there are two board seats up for election – an at-large representative position and a rural Chaffee/Lake County representative position.

Important Election Dates 

  • April 1: Deadline for the candidate nomination petitions to be submitted. 
  • April 8: Date of record – the cut-off date for determining eligible voters. 
  • Mid-April: Paper ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters if it’s a contested election. You may cast a paper or online ballot.
  • June 3: Deadline for ballots to be received by the election company or cast online by 1 p.m. 
  • June 6: The election results will be announced. 
  • June 11: SDCEA’s Annual Meeting at the Wet Mountain Saddle Club in Westcliffe, 90 CR 241, Westcliffe, CO 81252. Registration begins at 9 a.m., the meeting begins at 10 a.m.

 What seats are up for election? 

  • There are seven seats on the SDCEA board. Two are up for election in 2024 – an at-large seat and a rural Chaffee/Lake County representative seat. Members may vote on all candidates, regardless of where you live. 
  • This page will be updated as candidates turn in their petitions to run for the board and signatures are verified. Currently, Sandra Long is a candidate for the At-Large seat. Charles A. Abel II is a candidate for the Rural Chaffee/Lake County seat. Candidates have until 5 p.m. April 1 to petition to run for the board. If candidates are unopposed, the election will be canceled.

Who Can Vote? 

  • Named SDCEA account holders are entitled to vote in the Board of Directors Election. One ballot is cast per membership.
  • Members vote on all candidates, regardless of where your service address is located.
  • Your residence status, whether full-time or part-time, in or out of state, does not affect your right to vote. 
  • Accounts that are in a business name are asked who they would like to delegate as the voting member when the business signs up for service. If you own a business and would like to confirm your voting delegate, please contact SDCEA by emailing info@myelectric.coop or 719-395-2412. 

Ballots 

  • Paper ballots will be mailed in mid-April to all eligible voters listed as of April 8. 
  • Choose to vote online or via mail – instructions for both methods will accompany your ballot. You must vote online or by mail. No ballot drops or booth locations will be available. If you are missing your ballot or need information about voting, please call our office, 719-395-2412. 
  • Members with valid email addresses on file will also receive information and reminders to vote electronically. 
  • If a membership casts an online vote and mails a paper ballot, the paper ballot vote will supersede the online vote. Ballots must be received by the election company (not postmarked) by the 1 p.m. June 3 deadline to be counted. If received after deadline, the online vote cast will stand.

Candidate Information and Forums 

Get to know who you’re voting for! SDCEA candidate forums offer the opportunity to meet the potential board members and learn about their platforms. 

  • April 11: Howard at Howard Hall, 5510 CR 45, Howard, CO  81233 
  • April 25: Westcliffe at Cliff Lanes, 25 Main St., Westcliffe, CO 81252 
  • May 16: SDCEA Community Room in Buena Vista, SDCEA Community Room, 29780 US 24 N, Buena Vista, CO 81211 

All forums will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. All candidates will be invited to attend. Candidates will present their platforms and then be available to talk with attendees and answer questions you may have to ask them. 

Financial Disclosures by Candidates 

To foster transparency, candidates are required to disclose campaign contributions and expenditures. Details of any contributions and expenditures over $50 must be itemized. 

Find the financial disclosures at: 

SDCEA Board Candidate Financial Disclosures 

Candidates are required to update their disclosures April 15, May 1 and May 31. Disclosures will be posted online after receipt.

Your Participation Matters 

In last year’s election, only 22% of eligible voters participated. Your voice is pivotal in shaping the future actions and policies of SDCEA. Don’t miss out on the chance to contribute to the direction of your cooperative. 

The election will be completed on June 6; therefore, no voting activities will take place at the annual meeting.