As a consumer-controlled electric cooperative, San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) is overseen by a seven-member board of directors who are elected by the membership. Directors serve four-year terms. Each year, one or two directors, representing their geographic district, are elected. In 2026, the San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) Board seats up for election are District #3, covering parts of Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Dolores and San Juan Counties including Dunton, Norwood, Placerville, Rico and Sawpit, and District #6, covering part of Ouray County including Ridgway and parts of Log Hill Village.

In District #3, incumbent Director, Dave Alexander will run against challenger, Joanna Yonder. In District #6, incumbent Director, Valentine Szwarc, will face challenger, Tricia Savage.

Anyone who purchases power from SMPA and resides within the SMPA service territory is a member. SMPA Board members are elected from the membership, by the membership, by district. Members in District #3 and District #6 will elect their director this year by secret ballot. Voters have four options on how to vote:

1. They may vote using a secure online ballot. (Be sure to “whitelist” the email address noreply@directvote.net to vote and to turn off your paper ballot.) The online ballot is also accessible through the free online and mobile app, SmartHub.
2. They may vote by mail. (On May 14th, paper ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters who have not turned off their paper ballot.) Completed ballots must be received by the close of business, June 3rd. If a voting member is concerned that the mailed paper ballot will not make it by the deadline, they should utilize one of the other voting options.
3. They may drop off ballots at the SMPA Office in Ridgway (720 N. Railroad St.) or in Nucla. (170 W. 10th Ave.) Drop-off ballots must be received by the close of business, June 3rd.
4. 4) They may vote in person between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM at the SMPA Annual Meeting in Nucla. (170 W. 10th Ave.), on Thursday, June 4th.

Results of the election will be announced at the conclusion of the online Annual Meeting. See www.smpa.com to register.

About San Miguel Power’s Annual Meeting

San Miguel Power's Annual Meeting of Members has always been an opportunity for cooperative members to gather and review the association's activities over the previous year. Members can pose questions and learn about the co-op's goals for the future.

Save the Date! The SMPA Annual Meeting will be a hybrid in-person and streaming virtual event, held Thursday, June 4th, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM (food and booths at 4:30 PM). The meeting location will be the SMPA Office at 170 W. 10th Avenue in Nucla. The public is invited to attend in-person or to participate virtually.

Members attending in-person have been treated to:

• A Catered Dinner
• Gift bags with useful items and tasty treats!
• A Chance to win a fabulous Door Prize
• The SMPA High-Voltage Safety Demonstration
• Meet the SMPA Drone Fleet
• Other Informational Booths
• All attending members, including online attendee, receive a $10 Bill Credit!