Results of the 2026 La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) election were announced at the cooperative’s annual meeting on May 20th, 2026. This meeting was held to not only elect and seat new directors but also to present LPEA’s 2025 annual report and accomplishments. In accordance with LPEA Bylaws, one seat in each of LPEA’s four districts comes up for election annually.
Detailed election results are as follows.
- District 1 (Archuleta County): Candidate Nicole Pitcher won with 1,175 votes. Candidate James Lane received 1,117 votes.
- District 2 (South and West La Plata County): Candidate Greg Barber ran and was seated unopposed.
- District 3 (City of Durango): Candidate Jennifer Jenkins won with 1,479 votes. Candidate Jodi Zuber received 677 votes.
- District 4 (North & East La Plata County): Candidate John Purser won with 1,185 votes. Candidate David Luschen received 1,117 votes.
The proposed bylaw amendment, which officially defines the date by which new members are eligible to vote, passed with 6,088 in favor and 1,479 opposed. This bylaw amendment aligns with how elections are currently managed and gives members a written reference for understanding their voter eligibility.
Of the 37,748 eligible voters in all districts, a total of 7,937 LPEA members cast votes for a 21.03% return rate. Of these, 3,379 (42.57%) were cast using LPEA’s online voting option. Officers will be seated at the next meeting of the LPEA Board of Directors scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th, beginning at 9 AM at LPEA in Durango.
Members can join virtually (or attend in person). Meeting details can be accessed at lpea.coop/lpea-board-directors-resources.