How to Run for Director or Nominating Committee
Bartholomew County REMC is a member-owned cooperative governed by a 7-member Board of Directors. Directors and members of the Nominating Committee are elected by the membership through a structured, bylaw-guided process.
Serving in one of these roles is an important way to represent fellow members and help guide the cooperative’s future.
Board of Directors Overview
The Board of Directors manages the business and affairs of the cooperative and exercises all powers of the cooperative, except those reserved to the membership by law which are the Articles of Incorporation.
- The board consists of 7 directors
- Each director represents 1 voting district
- Directors are elected for 3-year terms
- Directors are elected by secret ballot
- Directors are elected by a plurality vote
Director Qualifications
To be eligible to run for or serve as a director, a candidate must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a member of Bartholomew County REMC
- Have their principal place of residence in the district they seek to represent
- Not be employed by, or financially interested (over $1,000), in a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, fixtures, or supplies to the cooperative
- Not be a full-time employee of the cooperative
- Not be an immediate family member, household member, or joint membership holder with a director, nominating committee member, or employee
Immediate family includes: spouse, children, siblings, parents, stepparents, foster parents, grandparents, parents-in-law, siblings-in-law, and children-in-law.
Additionally, no person may be nominated, elected, or appointed to the board if they or their spouse has been an employee of Bartholomew County REMC, Hoosier Energy, or Indiana Electric Cooperatives within the 5 years immediately preceding the election.
If a membership is held jointly, one individual representing that joint membership may serve as a director, provided all qualifications are met.
Nominating Committee Overview
The Nominating Committee plays a key role in the election process by identifying and nominating qualified candidates for open board and committee seats.
- The committee consists of 7 members, 1 from each district
- Members serve 3-year terms
- No individual may serve more than 1 consecutive term
- Directors, their immediate family members, or household members may not serve on the committee
If a nominating committee member resigns or becomes ineligible, the Board of Directors appoints a successor to complete the unexpired term.
District Rotation
Elections rotate by district according to the following schedule:
- Districts 1 and 4
- Districts 2, 5, and 7
- Districts 3 and 6
Each election year includes:
- 1 director elected from each district up for election
- 1 nominating committee member elected from each district up for election
Nomination & Election Process
The cooperative follows a consistent annual process to nominate and elect directors and nominating committee members.
1. January Nominating Committee Meeting
Each year, the Nominating Committee meets in January to review qualifications and nominate candidates for:
- Board of Directors seats in the districts up for election
- Nominating Committee seats in the districts up for election
For each district, the committee nominates:
- At least 1 candidate for director
- 2 candidates for the Nominating Committee
Information about the nomination process, committee members, and meeting details is published in the cooperative’s newsletter, direct mailings, or other local media.
2. Candidate Notification & Ballot Distribution
At least 20 days prior to the member meeting:
- A list of nominated candidates is posted at the cooperative’s principal office
- Candidate names and addresses are mailed to members with the meeting notice or separately
- The official ballot is distributed to members by email and by mail to the member’s address on record
Members are encouraged to ensure their contact information is up to date so they receive election materials in a timely manner.
3. Nomination by Petition
Members may submit additional nominations by petition:
- Petitions must be signed by 50 or more members
- Petitions must be submitted at least 120 days before the member meeting
- Petition nominations must be approved by a majority (4 of 7) of the Nominating Committee
- Nominations from the floor are not permitted
4. Election Prior to the Annual Meeting
The election of directors and nominating committee members is conducted prior to the Annual Meeting using printed ballots.
- Candidates are listed by district in alphabetical order
- Each member is entitled to 1 vote per district
- The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in each district is elected
5. Announcement at the Annual Meeting
The results of the election are formally announced at the Annual Meeting, ensuring transparency and clear communication to the membership.
Compensation
Directors do not receive a salary for their service. Directors may authorize:
- A fixed daily amount for cooperative business, meetings, training, or conferences
- Reimbursement for necessary expenses or a reasonable per diem allowance
Interested in Serving?
If you are interested in running for Director or Nominating Committee and would like to learn more about eligibility, districts, or upcoming election timelines, please contact Bartholomew County REMC.
Serving in these roles is a meaningful way to support the cooperative and represent your fellow members.
Voting District Descriptions
Bartholomew County REMC is divided into 7 voting districts. Each district is represented by one director and one nominating committee member.
District 1
All of German Township.
District 2
That portion of Clifty Township north of State Road 46 East; all of Hawcreek Township; all of Flatrock Township; and that area served within Clay Township, Decatur County, north of State Road 46 East.
District 3
That portion of Columbus Township bounded by State Road 46 East and Road 100 South on the south, extending north to 400 North and west to 500 West, south to 200 North, east to 400 West, and south to the north side of State Road 46 West; and that portion of Harrison Township north of 100 South.
District 4
All of Rockcreek Township; that part of Clifty Township south of State Road 46 East; all areas served within Geneva Township, Jennings County; all areas served within Jackson Township, Decatur County; and that area of Clay Township, Decatur County, south of State Road 46 East.
District 5
All of Clay Township; all of Sandcreek Township; and the southeast portion of Columbus Township bounded by White River on the west and State Road 46 East and 100 South on the north.
District 6
All of Wayne Township; the southwest portion of Columbus Township bounded by White River on the east and State Road 46 West on the north; and all areas served within Hamilton Township, Jackson County, east of the Jackson County Highway (continuation of Bartholomew County Road 400 West).
District 7
That portion of Harrison Township bounded by 400 West on the east, 100 South on the north, and the Brown and Bartholomew County line on the west; all of Ohio Township; all of Jackson Township; and all areas served within Hamilton Township, Jackson County, west of the Jackson County Highway (continuation of Bartholomew County Road 400 West).