As we’ve seen clearly over the past few months as presidential campaigns have heated up, voting matters. Our elected officials at every level of government make crucial choices that impact our wallets, health and environment. But while the presidential race may be the most compelling, it’s the local races that have the biggest impacts on our day-to-day lives.
That’s why it’s so important that each and every co-op member of the La Plata Electric Association votes in the upcoming election. If you receive an electric bill from LPEA with your name on it, you have the right and the privilege to vote for the co-op’s board of directors. This board of 12 makes decisions about your electricity rates, how much of our money stays within our local community, and whether or not we have the choice to buy our electricity from renewable sources versus traditional fossil fuels.
If you are a co-op member of LPEA, your ballot will be mailed to your home on April 15 and will need to be back in the hands of officials by May. To be safe, drop your filled-out ballot in the mail by May 1. You can also vote in person at the annual LPEA meeting on May 7 at the Sky Ute Casino.
Co-ops like LPEA are run by their members, but only those who choose to get actively engaged. The board’s job is to represent your interests. If you pay your electric bill, you’re already invested in the outcomes of these elections. Take the time this year to do some research about the issues involved and the different candidates running for the board. Then, vote to make sure your voice is being heard.
Micha Rosenoer
Durango
