Board of Directors FAQ

When are CoServ Electric Board elections conducted? 

Elections are held in conjunction with CoServ’s Annual Meeting, which is conducted every summer. Historically, election ballots were mailed to all CoServ Electric Members (as of that year's record date) in Texas Co-op Power magazine. Beginning in 2021, Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) will mail the ballots directly to Members and will include a link to a secure web portal where Members can choose to cast their votes digitally. Ballots must be returned to SBS by June 4 at 5 p.m. CST. See the Elections page for key dates during the Board of Director election process. A candidate must receive a majority vote to be elected. If needed, runoff elections are held after the Annual Meeting on a date determined by the Board of Directors.

What are the relevant dates for the 2021 elections?

The 2021 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 10. It will be conducted at CoServ's headquarters in Corinth, and a decision on whether public attendance will be allowed is contingent on what Denton County's COVID-19 guidelines will be at that time. District Notices mail to CoServ Members residing in Districts 1 and 5 in the March edition of Texas Co-op Power magazine. See the Elections page for key dates during the Board of Director election process.

How do I know which Board district seats are up for election?

District Notices are mailed to all Members in those districts where a Director’s term is expiring, 90 to 105 days before CoServ's Annual Meeting. District Notices will appear in the March edition of Texas Co-op Power magazine for CoServ Members residing in Districts 1 and 5. Click here to view our district map. 

Upcoming Elections:
2021: Districts 1 and 5
2022: Districts 2 and 7
2023: Districts 3, 4 and 6

How do I become a candidate for the CoServ Electric Board of Directors?

To be a candidate you must be a CoServ Electric Member and meet the other Director qualifications listed in our bylaws. When the Director position from the district you reside in is up for election, you may obtain a Board of Director information packet from CoServ, which includes Director qualifications, requirements and responsibilities. If after reviewing the information packet you have an interest in becoming a Director candidate, you must participate in a Director candidate orientation session. At the orientation, you will be provided additional information regarding the qualifications, requirements and responsibilities for a CoServ Electric Board Director. The petition process must be completed online and the other required forms must be submitted in-person to CoServ. See the Elections page for key dates during the Board of Director election process.

Who can sign the Director nomination petition?

Director nomination petitions require valid signatures from at least 25 qualified CoServ Electric Members residing within the district from which a director is nominated.

What is the due date for nomination petitions?

Petitions must be filed before or by 5 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2021. Refer to the Elections page for key dates during the Board of Director election process.

How do I know if I’m qualified to be a Director?

Section 4.6 of CoServ's Bylaws detail the qualifications for a Director, including that you:

• are a CoServ Electric Member in good financial standing
• have been a Member for at least 24 months prior to the election
• reside in your district
• hold no other elected position
• have never been convicted of a felony
• are not a close relative of a current CoServ Employee or Board Director

These are just a few of the qualifications. Read the Bylaws for the complete list to find out if you’re qualified.

Are Directors public officials?

No. Only CoServ Electric Members may vote. The election is not open to non-Members.

Who do Directors represent?

Directors represent all CoServ Electric Members. They must be nominated from the district they live in—to ensure that all geographic regions within CoServ’s service territory are represented—but they are elected at-large, which means that all electric Members vote for them.

How are votes counted and certified?

Ballots cast by CoServ Electric Members are collected and tabulated by election firm Survey & Ballot Systems. The law firm of Richards, Elder & Gibson PLLC serves as the election official that certifies the results.

What time commitment is required to serve on the Board?

Serving on the Board of Directors requires a significant time commitment. Directors are required to attend CoServ’s regular monthly board meeting, which is held during normal business hours and typically lasts most of the day. Directors are expected to spend additional time prior to the monthly meeting preparing for the meeting and staying current on industry issues. Directors will also be required to attend quarterly workshops and special meetings as called by the Chairman of the Board.

CoServ management provides Directors a substantial amount of information and data that require time to review and read. A new Director can expect to be required to spend additional time outside of the Board meetings to become familiar with the operation of the electric cooperative and the energy industry. On average, Directors spend 12 hours per week in Board meetings, preparing for Board meetings or attending training and conferences as part of their duties as a Board member.

Do Directors draw a salary?

No. However, Directors are compensated for their time spent preparing for and attending the monthly board meeting, reviewing correspondence from cooperative staff and attending community functions.