This April, get ready to Vote! On Wednesday, April 19th Harrison County REC will be hosting its annual director election. Members can vote by mail or in person at our cooperative headquarters for the leadership of the cooperative. This year, districts 5, 6, and 7 are up for election. Candidates for each district include:
District 5 – Lance Bromert, Randy Mitchell
District 6 – Kent Kersten (incumbent), Boone McIntosh
District 7 – Randy Koenig (incumbent), Laura Soetmelk
The 2023 Director Election may look similar to our Annual Meeting but as we move forward the needs of our members are changing, and we are excited to be changing with them. In 2023, we will host our director Elections on April 19th and host a relaxed membership appreciation picnic on August 15th. By separating the business portion of our annual meeting and hosting our election in April, our members can experience a more family friendly atmosphere in August and enjoy getting to know their cooperative. In addition, the pandemic has shown a need to provide plenty of space for all patrons to safely enjoy the event and by hosting our appreciation in August, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and use the most of our facility.
While we are excited for growth and change, we look forward to embracing our roots and providing an opportunity for members to select their leadership each year. Harrison County REC is owned and led by those we serve. Our nine-seat board is made up entirely by our membership. Want to learn more about how directors are elected? Check out our bylaws by clicking here.
What members can expect at the Director Election:
In the last week of March, ballots will be mailed to each of our members that will include a ballot, a ballot envelope that is unmarked, a marked envelope for the ballot envelope (this helps us keep track of who has voted while keeping votes anonymous), an insert that introduces the candidates to the membership, our current financials, and a letter from our board president along with other handouts.
Members can vote by mail by filling out their ballot and mailing to Harrison County REC or by placing it in our drop box located on the east side of our parking lot. If members do not wish to vote by mail. They can come to cooperative headquarters on Wednesday April 19th to vote in person from 7:30am to 3:00pm. After voting has closed on Wednesday April 19th, Harrison County REC staff along with member officers of election and will count ballots with the leadership of our attorney Dennis Puckett from Sullivan and Ward, P.C. Winners will be announced via our website and social media pages of the newly elected directors.
Interested in Counting Ballots?
Harrison County REC is taking volunteers for three officers of election to assist with the counting of ballots for the 2023 Director Election. Interested members will receive a $50 stipend for their time at the cooperative. Volunteers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis until all spots are filled. Interested members can contact Kristi Travis by calling 712.647.2727 or by emailing harrisoninfo@hcrec.coop.