One Member, One Vote

Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.  The second Cooperative Principle is Democratic Member Control.  

At most cooperatives, this is referred to as one member, one vote.  When members sign up for electric service, they pay a $5.00 membership fee.  Part of the rights and benefits of this membership are a vote in the running of the Cooperative.  Confusion can arise when one member has more than one account.  

For example, John Doe might have separate accounts for his home, his water well, and a DBA (doing business as) repair shop.  Even though he has three accounts, he has one membership and is entitled to one vote.  A different example would be John Smith who has a house and a business, John Smith Farms.  If John Smith Farms was set up as a separate entity on the membership application, then Mr. Smith would have two votes, one for himself and one for his farm account.  

As our Annual Meeting of Members approaches this week, it’s important to know how your accounts are listed. Knowing how many memberships you have will make the registration process go as smoothly as possible. If you have multiple accounts and would like to know how your membership is listed, please call us at (979) 543-6271. D