Submitted by OPALCO

OPALCO is seeking nominations for board candidates from Districts 3, which is comprised of Lopez, Decatur, Center and Charles islands, and 4, which is comprised of Shaw, Bell, Canoe and Crane islands. To nominate a candidate, including yourself, go to www.opalco.com/elections and use the nominations online portal to fill out the candidate application forms.

Why run for an OPALCO Board position? To participate in the governance of the company that you own. OPALCO is a cooperative, owned and operated by its members. Directors set the policies, budgets and rates for the co-op. Did you know that OPALCO directors are paid a stipend for their time and board training, and are eligible for health insurance benefits?

There are two ways to be nominated for a board position: by the member Elections and Governance Committee or petition. The deadline for nomination by the EGC is Jan. 9. The EGC will review nominations in the portal and recommend their slate of candidates for both districts. To be nominated by petition, a member in good standing collects no fewer than 20 signatures of bona fide members who reside in their district. Complete petitions should be sent to communications@opalco.com by Feb. 13.

All voting will be by mail or online. The election opens on March 11, and each member will receive a ballot by email or mail, depending on their stated preference. The deadline for ballots to be submitted is 10:30 a.m. on April 12. Election results will be announced at the annual meeting on April 13 on the interisland ferry.

OPALCO will host independently moderated candidate forums on San Juan, Lopez, Orcas and Shaw islands during the week of March 4. Stay tuned for more information.

Go to www.opalco.com/elections to learn more.