New Voting Option This Year!

By Elizabeth Archerd

It's Election Time!

No, not that election. The Wedge election. Every fall we have a chance to vote for co-op directors and for the WedgeShare grants that help local not-for-profit organizations with missions that dovetail nicely with our own.

This year there is a new twist that we hope will make voting easier and more convenient for many of our members. Electronic voting is here.

First things first. We still offer the paper ballot option by mail or dropping the ballot at the store. By law, members may choose to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you want to vote by paper ballot, please mail or bring us the ballot you receive in this newsletter. We cannot offer you substitute ballots. Instructions for all options are on the Voting Instructions panel on the back of this issue of At the Wedge.

Why electronic voting? For an increasing number of members, electronic communication is the way to go. In addition, we are hoping that the ease, flexibility and convenience of electronic voting will encourage more members to cast ballots.

We chose VoteNet Solutions after hearing about them from the National Co-op Business Association. VoteNet handled their board election this past year with great success. Our IT Department and auditor have reviewed and approved the certifications of VoteNet Solutions. We are confident that this is secure and accurate. This method will give us a live count and the software will generate the final totals instantly at the close of voting time at the Annual Meeting.

Members who vote this way may print out a paper receipt of their vote. VoteNet Solutions will maintain records of all votes cast.

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting where we will first announce the election results, see the farm, hear from the board and manager, and have a great supper together.