Annual Meeting & Director Election

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am not listed on the account, can I sign the ballot?
No. Names not listed on the electrical account are not allowed to vote. Technically that would be proxy voting which is prohibited by state law.

Can I add my name to the account so I can sign the ballot?
Not for this election. It is recommended that joint memberships include both names, but the official member list for this election closed when the ballots were issued.

Can a member vote by proxy? Can someone not listed on the account vote my ballot?
No. State law specifically prohibits proxy voting.

What if a membership is owned by joint tenants?
If the membership is owned jointly, only one of the joint owners needs to sign.

What if the member on the account is deceased?
Persons acting as a personal representative (executor, administrator) of a deceased patrons’ estate can vote the ballot. 

The personal representative should sign their name on the top line, and state “Jane Doe, Personal Representative of the estate of John Doe” on the second line.

How many candidates do I vote for?                  
This is an at-large election, so members should vote for one candidate in each district on the ballot.

I lost my ballot, never received it, or wish to change my vote, how do I get a new ballot?
Members will need to visit a United Power office in person to sign an affidavit form and receive a new ballot.

How does a business entity vote?          
If the membership is owned by a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, including the estate of a deceased person, the person signing must place his or her signature on the first line and indicate his or her title or lawful representative capacity on the second line.  For example: 

A person signing for a partnership should sign “John Doe” on the top line and “Partner” on the second line;
A person signing for a corporation should sign “John Doe” on the top line and “President” (or other office) on the second line;
A person signing for a trade name should sign “John Doe” on the top line and “owner” on the second line.

Does a person have to be an officer, director, or employee of a corporation in order to vote the cooperative membership?
Yes.  Although there is no specific provision saying so, a person who is not otherwise affiliated with a business organization would be voting as a proxy rather than a representative of the corporation.

How many memberships can one person vote?
A person may vote only one membership which he owns in his name.  On the other hand, he might own a membership in an individual name and another as a business entity.  In that case, the person could vote his individual membership and as the representative of the business entity if properly designated. 

A person who has several accounts in his name (i.e.: house, garage) may vote only one vote.

I will not be attending the meeting. Can someone bring my ballot to the office for me?
No. When someone else handles your ballot it is technically considered proxy voting, and this is not allowed by state statute. Members who are not attending the meeting must mail or drop their ballots at one of our offices prior to 4:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Drop-boxes close at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

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If you have additional questions, please contact United Power at 303-659-0551.