Election Process

As a democratically governed and member-owned electric cooperative, MTE encourages members to participate in the election process during the Annual Meeting. Each year, members vote for their Board of Directors, Nominating Committee, proposed bylaw changes and any other business that may come before the membership.  

Below are some frequently asked questions related to the election and voting process. If you have additional questions, comments, or concerns about the election process, let us know at 877-777-9020 or send us an email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested candidates are either nominated by MTE's Nominating Committee or they may qualify by petition as described in Article III Section 3 of the MTE Bylaws. A qualified candidate must also be a member in good standing and a bonafide resident of the corresponding sub-district of the Cooperative’s service area. Members may pick up a petition for election by going to their local office.

Nominations for open positions by interested members must be received not less than 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting.

Members can vote for director candidates in all districts.

In addition to voting on the day of the Annual Meeting, MTE offers early voting the week prior at each MTE office when there is a contested election. If there is not a contested election, voting will only be offered at the Annual Meeting during the registration hours of 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.  If you are not able to vote during early voting or on Annual Meeting day, you may vote by proxy. 

Proxy voting is a method that allows a member who cannot vote in-person to designate another member to vote in their place.

A proxy form may be picked up at any MTE office. Completed proxy forms must be validated at any local MTE office by noon the Friday before the Annual Meeting.

Through the proxy, members assign their vote to another cooperative member of their choice. However, no member can vote more than one proxy vote. For example, if Ms. Jones provides Mr. Gonzales her proxy, Mr. Gonzales can vote Ms. Jones'- proxy and his own vote, but he would not be able to vote another member’s proxy.

No, the proxy is valid only for the meeting specified on the proxy form.

If your proxy has already been voted, our registration system will not permit you to be registered to vote. If your proxy has not already voted, you will be allowed to vote.

Members may register for the Annual Meeting by calling Member Services at 877-777-9020 or in person prior to voting.  For additional questions about registration, please contact Member Services at 877-777-9020.

The Rutherford County Election Commission serves our Cooperative as an independent agent, allowing the MTE board and staff to take a hands-off approach to our election-voting processes. MTE also employs an independent auditor to tally all ballots cast and declare the results.

Our Member Service team is available to answer questions. Please contact 877-777-9020.