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JOHNSON CITY — Pedernales Electric Cooperative ratepayers looking to have a say in the operations of the nation’s largest member-owned utility now have their shot at two seats on the board.

Filing is under way for the June 19 board election, which will select directors for PEC’s districts 4 and 5.

District 4, represented by O.C. Harmon, includes portions of Blanco and Hays counties. District 5, represented by R.B. Felps, includes southern Burnet County, Horseshoe Bay and PEC’s headquarters at Johnson City.

Candidates in this year’s election must first collect a petition with at least 50 PEC member signatures, co-op spokeswoman Anne Harvey said.

“Members are encouraged to collect more than 50 signatures to account for any possible signature validation issues,” Harvey said in a statement.

Candidates are required to maintain a primary residence in the district they represent, Harvey added.

All petition forms must be returned to the co-op offices by April 5. Candidates will attend an overview forum April 14 prior to the ballot’s unveiling April 19.

A second candidate forum will be held April 27 in Johnson City to allow candidates to discuss their qualifications with members, Harvey said, adding biographies of candidates will be mailed to co-op members in May.

Members may vote online at the co-op’s Web site, www.pec.coop, by mail, or in person at the June 19 member meeting, Harvey said.

Members also will vote on proposed amendments to the co-op’s articles of incorporation, she said.

“The articles of incorporation are a legal document filed with the state that defines the purpose, organization and highest-level business rules of the cooperative,” she said.

Members will vote on changes including a new member bill of rights; a rule allowing board vacancies to remain open until an election; and raising the quorum at the annual member meetings.

For information about this year’s election, or to download nomination forms, visit www.pec.coop.

chris@thepicayune.com