Board of Directors FAQ

When are CoServ Electric Board elections held? 

Elections are typically held in June or July in conjunction with CoServ’s Annual Meeting. Ballots are mailed to all CoServ Electric members (as of a certain record date) in the Texas Co-op Power magazine. Ballots must be returned to our independent third-party election official by the designated date. 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.

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

Each Board Director serves a three-year term. Each year, two or three board seats are up for election. CoServ mails notices to all members in those districts where a Director’s term is expiring 90 to 105 days before CoServ's Annual Meeting.

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 will participate in a Director candidate orientation where you will be provided with additional information regarding the qualifications, requirements and responsibilities for a CoServ Electric Director, the nomination petition and other required forms that must be submitted in person to CoServ. See the Elections page for key dates during the Board of Director election process.

Who signs 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 on or before the date specified in the District Notice. 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 details 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 election
• reside in your district
• hold no other elected position
• have never been convicted of a felony
• are not a close relative of a CoServ employee or 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 mailed directly to an independent third-party election official, who will count the ballots and certify the voting 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 requires 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 cooperative and the electric cooperative 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.