Ozark Electric Co-op prepares for annual election, facing influence from outside groups [View all]

During Ozark Electric Cooperative’s 89th annual meeting on July 25, members will elect directors for three of the co-op’s nine districts.

Approximately 36,000 people in southwest Missouri have accounts with OEC, according to its most recent annual report. Its service area includes nine districts covering parts of Greene, Christian, Stone and Lawrence counties.

Entities outside of OEC have apparently sent communications to co-op members and non-members in an effort to influence its 2025 election. In a July 22 Facebook post, the cooperative warned its members of election-related postcard mailers and emails impersonating OEC. The cooperative issued a similar warning about automated text messages coming from outside OEC on July 23.

In addition to electing directors, members are weighing three proposed changes to OEC’s bylaws, included on the ballot as Proposition A. The proposition would modify the eligibility and election requirements for directors by requiring candidates to submit a criminal background check and prohibiting directors from being employed by OEC for five years after their terms.



https://sgfcitizen.org/news/ozark-electric-co-op-prepares-for-annual-election-facing-influence-from-outside-groups/