Election Hub
All the info you need for the annual OPALCO election
2025 OPALCO Board of Directors Election
The 2025 Election is now closed. Thank you for voting!
Why Vote
OPALCO members are owners of their electric cooperative. You have the power to elect your Co-op Board of Directors who set the rates and make the policies.
Per OPALCO Bylaws we are required to have a quorum of 10% of the membership vote in the election each year. Please help us reach this quorum and VOTE TODAY!
How to Vote
We offer multiple ways to cast your vote.
Online Voting
OPALCO offers secure electronic voting in partnership with Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS). This is the preferred method of voting. If we have your email address, you will get an email from DirectVote with a link your online ballot – look for an email from “OPALCO Election Coordinator”. This security measure includes your Member Number with an Election Passcode, and you are the only one who can view this information.
If we do not have your email address and you want to vote online, you will need your membership number. You can go to the login page by typing directvote.net/opalco into the address bar in any Internet browser.
Smart Hub Voting
You are also able to vote with your Smarthub account from your computer desktop and your mobile app. In the upper right hand corner is a vote button that you click. You don’t need any numbers – it is automatically associated with your account. Easy peasy!
Your mailed ballot information includes your Member Number and an Election Passcode. Use both of these numbers to log in. Once you are registered, follow the online voting instructions.
US Mail
Use the Ballot sent to the address on file. Be sure to SIGN THE FRONT OF YOUR REPLY ENVELOPE. Without your signature, your vote will not count.
We cannot accept ballots at the OPALCO offices. If you choose to vote on paper, please mail your ballot in advance of the deadline.
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Email support@directvote.net or call 952-974-2339 for help.
Email support@directvote.net or call 952-974-2339 for help.
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Meet the 2025 Board Candidates
In 2025, there are three positions open: one in District 1 (San Juan, Pearl, Henry, Brown and Speiden islands), one in District 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center, and Charles islands), and one in District 4 (Shaw, Crane, Canoe and Bell islands).
Click on each candidate below to learn more!
Mark Madsen (Incumbent)
Brian Silverstein (Incumbent)
Jerry Whitfield (Incumbent)
Voter Resources
Voters Guide
Read the bios of all the candidates in our 2025 Voter’s Guide
Candidate Forum Video
Meet the candidates by watching the recording of the Candidate Forum:Candidate Forum Video
Candidate Q&A
OPALCO sent the candidates a list of questions meant to draw out their understanding of and opinions on the major energy shift that has begun in the region (and the nation). Read up on the responses: Candidate Questions
Important Dates to Remember
FAQs
If you lost your ballot, we can help, email us at support@directvote.net or call 952-974-2339.
Support is available M – F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
No, voting on the boat during the annual meeting is no longer an option.
For each position that is open, members may vote for one candidate.
Vote in every election regardless of your home district.
Each membership gets one vote, no matter how many meters are attached to the membership, regardless of how many people are named on the membership. Business memberships designate a person to vote on the behalf of the corporation.
If you are experiencing issues voting online, email support@directvote.net or call 952-974-2339 for help.
The OPALCO staff is happy to help walk you though the process. Contact us in the following ways:
Email us: communications@opalco.com or
Contact our technical election support:
952-974-2339 or support@directvote.net
(available M – F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT)
The Board is made up of seven directors representing three districts and twenty islands. Interested in running for an open position on the Board? Elections are held each Spring (April or May) and every co-op member has a vote.