Board Election Information

With the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) 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 2 board seats up for election — an at-large position and a rural Chaffee/Lake County representative position. Candidates have until April 1 to submit a petition to run for office. The deadline for publication of this newsletter is before April 1, so please check the SDCEA Election Center page for the most up-to-date information about the election and candidates for seats. If there are no more than 1 candidate for each seat, the election will be canceled

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: Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters if it’s a contested election.
• 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 at 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 7 seats on the SDCEA board. 2 are up for election this year — an at-large seat and a rural Chaffee/Lake County representative seat. All members may vote on all candidates, regardless of where you live.

Who Can Vote?

• All named SDCEA account holders are entitled to vote in the Board of Directors Election.
• 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 us by emailing SDCEA or calling (719) 395-2412.

Ballots

• Ballots will be sent 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 drop locations will be available.
• Members with validated email addresses on file will also receive information and 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 11: Howard Hall, 5510 CR 45, Howard, CO 81233
• April 25: Cliff Lanes, 25 Main St., Westcliffe, CO 81252
• May 16: SDCEA Community Room, 29780 US 24 N, Buena Vista, CO 81211

All forums will be held from 6 p.m. to 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.

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 Board Candidate Financial Disclosures page. Candidates are required to update their disclosures on April 15, May 1, and May 31

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 electric cooperative.

The election will be completed on June 6; therefore, no voting activities will take place at the annual meeting. Please note that updated election information can be found on the SDCEA Election Center page.