The next FreeState Electric Cooperative annual meeting is April 25, 2023, at the McLouth FreeState office (507 N. Union). Members attending will receive a $10 bill credit after registering and will also be served a meal and given a gift while supplies last.  

Registration opens, and meal service begins at 5:30 p.m. The cooperative business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on the cooperative website.  

At-Large Trustee Election 

On Feb. 7, 2023, members of the FreeState nominating committee, appointed by the board of trustees, met to present candidates for election to the FreeState board. The candidates listed will be presented to the membership for consideration at the upcoming meeting and three board members will be elected. 

FreeState members will vote by an at-large system. Members can vote for any of the nominees in any district. The candidate receiving the most votes in the east district will be elected to a three-year term. The two candidates receiving the most votes in the west district will both be elected to three-year terms.  

The 2023 trustee positions up for election are as follows: 

West District (top two vote-getters will serve as a trustee) 

Larry Butel (incumbent) 

Don Montgomery (incumbent) 

East District (top vote-getter will serve as a trustee) 

Jeanine Murphy (incumbent) 

Jacob Thomas 

How Can I Vote? 

We understand that not every member can attend the annual meeting, but we want to ensure you can participate in the election. Each FreeState member gets only one vote per member household or business, and every member has three voting options available. Your name should appear on the account to be eligible to vote. 

Vote by Mail 

Ballots will be mailed beginning April 4, 2023, and must be returned by April 21 to ensure they are counted. Complete the ballot using the instructions listed and return it as directed in the postage-paid envelope provided. Please return the ballot using the postage-paid envelope. Do not bring ballots to the office.  

Vote at the Annual Meeting 

The annual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the McLouth FreeState office. Members will be issued a ballot when they register using their service address, if they have not voted by mail before the meeting.  

Vote by Proxy 

If you cannot attend the annual meeting and forget to mail your ballot in time, you can vote by proxy. Complete the proxy form online at www.freestate.coop/annualmeeting and give it to another FreeState member or adult relative in the same home, and they can vote for you. 

Candidate biographical information will be included with mailed ballots that arrive in your mailbox. Candidates have also provided a video about themselves and their desire to serve the cooperative. View the candidate videos at www.freestate.coop/candidates      

If I vote by mail, can I still attend the meeting? 

Yes. You will not receive another ballot, but you will have access to the meeting, the bill credit and meal, and a chance to win door prizes. 

If you have any other questions about the annual meeting, visit 

www.freestate.coop/annualmeeting or contact our office.