2026 Ballot
Members to Vote on Articles of Incorporation by Ballot.
Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) has verified three candidates for its 2026 director election following the close of the petition period. The candidates include incumbents Enno Heuscher (District 6), Damon Lockhart (District 7), and Stacia Cannon (North Region).
Because all director candidates are running unopposed, members will be asked to confirm the candidates by voice vote at the Annual Meeting rather than voting by ballot, consistent with DMEA bylaws. The official ballot will include a separate vote on a proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation that would change director term limits. At its March meeting, the board voted to refer this potential change to the membership for consideration.
The proposed change would allow directors to serve four 4-year terms (16 years total) if members continue to elect them. The proposal also includes a four-year break before directors can run again. Serving on the board of an electric cooperative and making complex decisions requires significant experience and training. It takes directors five to six years to complete certifications for both electric and broadband leadership courses, gain industry knowledge, and fully develop expertise in cooperative governance. Extending potential service time helps preserve experienced leadership and continuity on the board while long-term projects are planned and executed.
Currently, directors may serve four 3-year terms (12 years total) if members continue to elect them. Directors must wait two years after reaching the term limit before running again.
Members vote in every director election, and this proposal does not change the cooperative’s democratic election process. It will allow members the option to retain experienced directors longer if they believe those directors are serving the cooperative well. If approved, the proposed change will take effect for directors elected in this year’s election. Other directors would finish their 3-year terms before being eligible to run for a 4-year term.
Voting opens on May 15, 2026. Members can vote online, by mail, or in person. Election results will be announced at the 2026 Annual Meeting at Olathe High School on June 18 from 4:30-8:00 p.m. Members and their families are invited to enjoy free entertainment, local food options, including live music, prizes, and kids’ activities.
To view more information regarding the ballot issue, elections, or the annual meeting, please visit dmea.com/elections.
Why is DMEA proposing a change to director term limits?
The board periodically reviews governance practices to ensure the cooperative benefits from experienced leadership and strong oversight. Adjusting term limits aligns DMEA more closely with common practices across electric cooperatives.
What are the current term limits?
Directors can currently serve four 3-year terms, for a maximum of 12 years.
What about directors previously elected to three-year terms?
Directors elected to three-year terms will be eligible for a four-year term upon re-election. If the proposed change to the Articles of Incorporation is approved, this would apply to directors running for election in 2026.
Directors can currently serve four 3-year terms, for a maximum of 12 years.
Can you run again after you have reached your term limit?
Currently, directors must wait 2 years to run again. If this measure is approved, it would extend the wait period to 4 years.
What is the proposed change?
Members will be asked to vote on a change that would allow directors to potentially serve longer, depending on the option placed on the ballot. The proposal is to increase each term to 4 years for a total of 4 terms allowed (16 total years).
The goal is to ensure the cooperative can continue benefiting from experienced, well-trained directors.
Why does director experience matter?
Electric cooperatives manage complex operations including power supply contracts, financial planning, infrastructure investment, and cybersecurity.
Directors complete extensive training through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and other cooperative organizations. These programs often take 5–6 years to complete, meaning directors reach their highest level of expertise later in their service. By extending term limits, the cooperative will be able to take greater advantage of director education and historical knowledge.
Will members still vote for directors?
Yes. Members will continue to vote in director elections at the end of every term. This proposal does not remove member oversight or elections.
Does this mean directors will automatically serve longer?
No. Directors can only continue serving if members re-elect them. Members always have the option to elect new leadership.
How does DMEA compare to other cooperatives?
Many electric cooperatives allow longer service periods or do not set strict term limits. DMEA’s current limits are among the shortest limits used by cooperatives.
Why change the term limits now?
The board periodically reviews governance practices to ensure they serve members well. This proposal aligns DMEA with industry standards and experienced leadership for complex decisions.
Is this just to allow directors to stay longer?
Members still elect directors every term. This change simply allows members the option to retain experienced leadership if they choose.
Why do directors need so much time?
Serving on a cooperative board requires specialized training in energy policy, finance, cybersecurity, and governance. Certification programs alone can take several years.
Why increase term length to four years?
Longer terms allow directors to complete training, gain experience, and focus on long-term strategy rather than constant election cycles. Additionally, under this cycle, director elections will be held every three years, which will be a cost savings as an election vendor will not need to be retained every fourth year.
How can I vote?
Members will receive ballot instructions with their election materials. Voting information will also be available at dmea.com/elections.
When would this take effect?
If approved by the membership, the new terms would take effect for directors elected in the 2026 election.