As corporations across the country continue to consolidate into ever-larger enterprises, independent farmers and small businesses have difficulty competing. The sheer scale of these corporations means they can operate on razor-thin margins, allowing them to offer prices that small-scale operators simply cannot match.
With competition growing stronger, local farmers and small businesses are banding together to form co-ops. A key part of forming a co-op is electing leaders to the board. Voting in cooperatives is conducted democratically, and many cooperatives operate under legal structures that must align with government regulations. These regulations ensure that all member voices are heard.
Because some crops are grown only in specific areas of the country, farmers who specialize in these crops often congregate in these areas. Similarly, small businesses located on opposite sides of the country may have little in common with each other. Therefore, farmer and independent small business cooperatives often operate on a local or regional level.
Even at the regional level, there may be vastly different needs between independent owners. Retail co-operatives, for example, may represent businesses selling a diverse array of products. During a drought, some farmers may have access to a river while others must apply for emergency assistance.
To maintain equal representation, board members and committees must be representative of their constituents. This means ensuring that members come from all areas and niches rather than simply representing the largest interests. One way to accomplish this is via small business and agriculture cooperative elections that are held online.
Cooperatives and their elections must comply with federal, state, and local laws. Each state typically has its own rules and they can vary widely. That said, the elections themselves are held in the same manner as many corporations and organizations.
Elections are held regularly, usually on an annual basis. Before elections take place, members are informed of the candidates for vacant positions. Members can announce their candidacy or nominate others for positions.
A national organization may have a board that oversees the entire country alongside committees, local representatives, and large member education initiatives. Due to their local and regional nature, farmer and small business co-op elections are smaller and much more focused. Being constrained financially because of their size, these co-ops often only nominate a board and may have limited positions available.
This means that member participation is critical, as a few votes can easily sway a board seat in one direction or another. It also means that voter education and access are more important than ever.
Once the votes are in, they are tallied and the results are announced. New board members may then take their seats at a time outlined in the cooperative's bylaws.
Because of these issues, many small organizations have moved their operations to online platforms. Online platforms allow members who are separated geographically to come together to discuss pressing issues. They also make campaigning for positions, deciding policies, and announcing election results as easy as possible.
One such platform for holding virtual elections safely and securely is ElectionBuddy. ElectionBuddy offers unparalleled ease of access via a simple user interface. Cooperative and organization members can view candidates, understand policies to be voted on, and fill out their ballots entirely online.
ElectionBuddy also ensures election transparency so that members know their votes have been received and counted. As more members realize the simplicity and security offered by online elections, co-ops and organizations of all kinds can reduce costs and increase faith in the democratic process.
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