La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has announced candidates for its 2026 board election, with voting set to open April 20. Members will elect directors in three districts, while the District 2 race has been canceled under the cooperative’s bylaws. LPEA’s board includes four geographically defined districts, each represented by one elected director.
The qualified candidates are:
District 1, Archuleta County: Nicole Pitcher, James D. Lane
District 2, South and West La Plata County: Greg Barber
District 3, City of Durango: Jennifer Jenkins, Jodi Zuber
District 4, North and East La Plata County: John Purser, David Luschen
“Our board elections are the most important ways members shape the future of their co-op,” said LPEA CEO Chris Hansen. “As we continue building on our recent energy transition, member participation is more important than ever. We encourage all eligible members to vote and join us at the annual meeting.”
Because only one candidate qualified in District 2, the LPEA board of directors voted March 25 to cancel the election in accordance with Article III, Section 5 of the cooperative’s bylaws. Greg Barber will serve as the District 2 director beginning May 20, 2026.
Candidate submitted biographies are available at lpea.coop/elections.
Proposed bylaw amendment
To improve clarity and consistency in elections, the board has recommended a proposed bylaw amendment establishing a “record date,” which defines which members are eligible to vote. Members will vote on the amendment at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
A YES vote would approve the changes.
A NO vote would maintain the original Bylaw language and rules.
The proposed amendment adopted by the Board is:
Article II, Section 7 – Record Date
The record date for determining the members who are entitled to notice of an annual or special meeting of the members and to vote shall be as follows:
(a) The record date for determining the members who are entitled to notice of a meeting of the members and to vote by Mail Ballot or Electronic Ballot shall be the date of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors immediately before the Mail Ballots are mailed according to policy.
(b) The record date for determining the members who are entitled to vote in person at a meeting shall be on the date of the meeting of the members at such time as the Board of Directors has approved applications for new membership at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors.
How to vote
Starting April 20 at 8:00am, eligible voters will have multiple ways to cast their ballots:
Online: Through SmartHub using the “Vote Now” button
By Mail: Ballots will be mailed to LPEA members in mid-April
In-Person: Members may vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
To be counted, online ballots must be submitted by 12:00pm on May 19, and paper ballots must be received by 4:00pm on May 19, 2026. For more information about the 2026 director election, proposed bylaw amendment, voting procedures, and candidate statements, visit lpea.coop/elections.
Annual meeting
The election coincides with LPEA’s annual meeting, where both election results and the outcome of the proposed bylaw amendment will be announced. LPEA will host its 2026 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at its Durango headquarters.
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Registration, voting, and lunch
• 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Annual Meeting
Members are encouraged to arrive early to explore community power program booths and learn about electrification opportunities. Attendees should bring a valid ID for check-in. Members are encouraged to register by May 13 to reserve a boxed lunch.
More information and registration are available at lpea.coop/annual-meeting