Tripp plans to introduce bill on co-op mail-in vote
State Representative Don Tripp, R-Socorro, announced Thursday,April 29, that he plans to introduce legislation that would allow for mail-in voting for electric cooperative district meetings.
“There are many folks, particularly in the outlying districts, that just can’t get to meetings to vote in person,” he stated in a press release. “Now that the membership has voted to amend the Co-op bylaws to allow mail-in voting and that the trustees have accepted the changes, it is my job as your state representative to propose legislation needed at the state level.”
Tripp is quoted in the release as saying that everyone should have an opportunity to have their voice heard during elections.
“We allow it in our governmental elections so it makes sense to allow it in the co-op elections also,” he stated.
Socorro Electric Cooperative officials have said the resolution that was passed at the SEC’s annual meeting on April 17 could not be enforced, because state law prevents mail-in voting at the district level.
The current law does allow for mail-in voting at the annual meeting.
According to the release, SEC General Manager Polo Pineda raised the issue at a meeting involving the Public Regulation Commission last year, but no legislation was ever introduced.
Tripp had praise for both the SEC’s member-owners and co-op leadership.
“I commend the co-op members on their willingness to get involved in the voting process and the trustees and management of the co-op for their cooperation,” he said. “It is my hope that the necessary legislative changes will take place at the next session, empowering all the members in the management of their co-op.”
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