Getting involved in the election of the Board of Directors is one of the most important ways to have a voice in how Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) operates. Here’s a simple guide to the nomination and election process at BEC.
1. Districts Up for Election
This year, districts 7, 8 and 9 are up for election. Each district will elect one director to represent the community on the BEC Board. Each year, the Board of Directors reviews the districts to ensure fair representation. If necessary, the boundaries may be adjusted to ensure equal representation in terms of population and interests. If changes are made, members impacted are notified via mail.
2. How to Nominate – Want to Be a Director?
Several months ahead of the Annual Meeting, all members in districts 7, 8, and 9 will receive a letter outlining the process for director nominations. If you’re interested in running for a director position, here’s how you can nominate yourself:
Contact BEC for an application packet: Reach out to the person designated in the letter to get all the necessary forms.
Complete an application: An application for a board of directors position must be submitted as part of the nomination process.
Get signatures: You’ll need signatures from at least 100 Individual Members (joint members only count as one), in your district.
Petition: Petition forms are provided and must include your full name and the district you’re running for. Members nominating you must fill out all the fields in the petition form, including date signed, their signature and printed name, their daytime telephone number, and their current mailing address.
Submit on time: The completed petition packet must be submitted to the Bandera headquarters office by the deadline provided (no later than 90 days before the Annual Meeting).
Once your petition is submitted, the Director Candidate Validation Committee will review it to ensure you meet all qualifications. If everything checks out, you’ll be placed on the ballot.
3. Incumbents – Don’t Forget Current Directors
If a director’s term is expiring, they can choose to run for re-election or step aside. If they choose to run again, they are automatically nominated and placed on the ballot.
4. Voting – Your Vote, Your Choice
Before the Annual Meeting, each Member will receive the list of candidates, their biographical information, and ballots via mail. If multiple candidates are running in a district, their names will be placed on the ballot in random order.
All members may vote for all directors, regardless of which district you reside in, and votes may be cast by mail or electronically. By participating, you help ensure that BEC is always led by people who understand and care about the community.
For more information about BEC’s Bylaws, click here.