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Board Election Information

The Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Board of Directors Election is coming up. Take the time to learn about the candidates and vote for the 1 who best represents you. Your participation is key to shaping the future of the cooperative.

What Seats Are Up for Election?

There are 7 seats on the SDCEA board. 2 board director seats are up for election this year, 1 for Custer County and 1 for Fremont County. The Custer County seat is currently held by board chair Sandra Attebery; the Fremont County seat is held by Rob Canterbury. Both representatives have indicated they wish to run again for their respective seats. All members may vote on all candidates, regardless of where you live.

Candidates have until April 7 to submit a petition to run for office. The deadline for publication of this magazine is before April 7, so please check our website after that date for the most up-to-date information about the election and candidates for seats. If there is no more than 1 candidate for each seat, the election will be canceled.

Important Election Dates

  • April 7: Deadline for the candidate nomination petitions to be submitted.
  • April 18: Date of record — the cut-off date for determining eligible voters.
  • Early May: Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters if it’s a contested election.
  • June 13: Deadline for ballots to be received by the election company or cast online by 1 p.m.
  • June 17: The election results will be announced.
  • June 19: SDCEA’s Annual Meeting at Buena Vista High School, 559 South Railroad Street, Buena Vista. Registration begins at 9 a.m., the meeting begins at 10 a.m.

Who Can Vote?

  • All members (SDCEA-named account holders) are entitled to vote in the board of directors election, 1 ballot may be cast per membership.
  • Your residence status — whether full-time or part-time, in-state, or out-of-state — does not affect your right to vote.
  • All members vote on all candidates.
  • 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 SDCREA or calling (719) 395-2412.

Ballots

  • Ballots will be sent in early May to all eligible voters listed as of April 18.
  • Choose to vote online or via mail — instructions for both methods will accompany your ballot. You must vote online or by mail. No ballot drop locations will be available.
  • Members with validated email addresses on file will also receive information on how to vote and will be sent reminders electronically.

Candidate Information & Forums

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

  • April 24: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Howard Hall, 5510 CR 45, Howard, CO 81233
  • May 1: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Cliff Lanes, 25 Main St., Westcliffe, CO 81252
  • TBA: Candidates forum in Buena Vista

All candidates will be invited to attend. Candidates will present their platforms and then be available to talk with attendees and answer questions. If the election is canceled, we will use these evenings for open houses, so plan to attend in either case.

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 on our website. Candidates will need to file their disclosure documents by 5 p.m. on April 30, May 12, and June 11.

Your Participation Matters

Generally, SDCEA has a low turnout of voters in the election; around 22% of eligible voters actually cast a vote. Your voice is pivotal in shaping the future actions and policies of SDCEA. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to the direction of your electric cooperative.

The election will be completed on June 17. No voting activities will take place at the annual meeting. Updated election information can be found online on our website.