Howard Electric Cooperative members who are unable to attend this year’s annual meeting on June 9 may cast their ballots during the designated absentee voting period from May 15 through Friday, May 29, at the cooperative’s office during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

The option was approved by the membership at the 2025 Annual Meeting to make participation easier for those who cannot attend the drive-thru Annual Meeting.

Members who vote absentee will receive the standard $10 bill credit and gift. However, they will not be entered into the attendance bill credit drawings held the next business day following the annual meeting.

Members may vote for up to three members. The incumbents are David Kunze, Brenda Dougherty, and Omer Conrow. Also on the ballot are Scott Simpson, Bruce Meffert, Laura Maupin, Paden Boulden, and Chris Wilhoit.

Cooperative officials note that while absentee votes count toward the election of board members, they do not count toward establishing a quorum. A quorum of members (as defined in the bylaws) must be present at the annual meeting for the meeting and election results to be legally valid.

“As a member-owner of the cooperative, your vote matters,” the cooperative stated. “Board elections help shape the future of our co-op and the communities we serve.”

For more information, members should contact the Howard Electric office.