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Voting and Candidate Information

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Voting begins Sept. 14

Cast your vote for the 2026 Board of Directors election either by mail-in ballot or online. Voting ends Oct. 9!

To vote online:

  • Visit the voting website or scan the QR code on your paper ballot
  • Enter your Member Number and Election Passcode as found on your ballot
  • Complete the ballot and click “Submit”

To vote by mail:

  • Fill out the paper ballot and mail it using the postage-paid envelope provided to you
  • Ballots must be postmarked by Oct. 9, and received by U.S. Mail by Oct. 13, to be counted

If you have lost your ballot, please call us on or before Oct. 9 at 1-800-222-3121 and we will issue you a replacement ballot.

Online voting credentials are found on your paper ballot as shown above.

Your Vote Makes a Difference

Voting in the Midwest Energy Board election is your opportunity to have a direct voice in how your cooperative is governed. Midwest Energy is customer-owned, which means the Board of Directors are elected by and accountable to the members it serves. The Board helps guide the cooperative’s long-term strategy, financial stewardship, policies, and services to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of local members and communities.

Learn more about each of the candidates below!

BOD Election Timeline

Sept. 14: Ballots mailed to all voting members; Online election opens

Oct. 9: Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Oct. 9, and received by U.S. Mail by Oct. 13, to be counted

Oct. 9, 11:59 p.m. Central: Online election closes

Oct. 19: Results are announced at the Annual Meeting

Get to Know Your 2026 Candidates

1

District 1

Counties

Cheyenne, Greeley, Hamilton, Logan, Rawlins, Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, and Wichita

Candidates

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Phil Escareno

Occupation: Retired Operations and Customer Service Manager for Black Hills Energy

Community Involvement: Phil has served on numerous community boards throughout his career, including the Finney County Economic Development Board and the Garden City Chamber of Commerce Board. He served as president of the Lions Club, United Way, and Spirit of the Plains CASA. He was also appointed to and served for several years on the Kansas State Wildlife and Parks Commission. In addition, Phil dedicated 22 years as a volunteer firefighter and coached wrestling at both Garden City High School and Holcomb High School.

Experience: With more than 40 years of experience in the natural gas industry, Phil has extensive knowledge of utility operations, budgeting, and customer service. Throughout his career, he worked closely with large commercial and industrial natural gas customers across southwest Kansas, developing strong relationships while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient energy service.

“I believe I would bring valuable experience from the natural gas industry. I have a sincere interest in delivering a safe energy product.”

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Chuck Moore

Occupation: Certified Public Accountant

Community Involvement: A lifelong resident of western Kansas, Chuck was a member of the 1990 Leadership Kansas class and was a founding board member for Leadership Thomas County. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Colby Community College and Pioneer Memorial Library. He is currently Treasurer of the Thomas County/Colby Kiwanis Club and Thomas County Community Foundation and is a board member of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation.

Experience: Chuck graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kansas State University in 1978. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has been involved in public and private practice in Colby for over 40 years. Chuck has served on the Midwest Energy Board since 1999. He serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees.

“I'm running because I feel my accounting background and experience with Midwest Energy will help us navigate the challenges facing all utility companies, and to keep utility costs affordable.”

2

District 2

Counties

Decatur, Gove, Norton, Sheridan

Candidates

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Emily Campbell

Occupation: Food Systems Consultant

Community Involvement: A 33-year resident of Sheridan County, Emily has been involved in a variety of economic development initiatives throughout the county and is active in the Catholic Church and other not-for-profit organizations.

Experience: Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in accounting from Kansas State University. She worked as a CPA for the City of Manhattan, Kan., and was a member of the 2012 Leadership Manhattan Class before attending culinary school in Seattle, Wash. Emily has worked in business development for the family Case IH dealership, was the Executive Chef and Owner of The Elephant Bistro and Bar in Hoxie, and is now the founder of Cultivate Impact, LLC, where she works with communities across northwest Kansas to strengthen local food systems and improve access to healthy food. Emily has served on the Midwest Energy Board since 2023 and is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.

“I believe our cooperative is about more than delivering energy. It’s about strengthening the communities we call home. I’m committed to making thoughtful decisions that provide reliable, affordable energy while investing in the long-term success of rural Kansas.”

4

District 4

Counties

Ellis, Graham, Trego

Candidates

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Royce Purinton

Occupation: Senior Manager for Employers Reassurance Corporation, a GE Heritage Company

Community Involvement: A resident of Hays for more than 16 years, Royce and his wife Megan, are raising their four kids here and have deep roots throughout the district. Having grown up in WaKeeney and now raising their family in Hays, they have a strong appreciation for the communities and people served by the cooperative. Royce serves as chairman of the Thomas More Prep-Marian Endowment and chairs the Long-Term-Care Insurance Consortium Leadership and Steering Committee. He has also served on the St. Joseph Catholic Church Finance Council and was a 4H club leader, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting local organizations and community initiatives.

Experience: Royce holds a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting and a master’s in accounting from Kansas State University. His background includes audit experience and extensive financial expertise. Through years of corporate leadership, he has developed strong analytical and decision-making skills, along with the ability to ask thoughtful, challenging questions while fostering productive discussions.

“I would be honored to serve on the board of an organization that is well known and respected throughout our communities. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my time, experience, and thoughtful leadership while working alongside other local leaders to help ensure the continued success of our cooperative.”

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Louis Tinkel

Occupation: Cattle Rancher and Retired Finance Manager at James Motor Company

Community Involvement: Louis has been an active member of the Hays Kiwanis Club for more than 45 years and currently serves on its board of directors. He is also involved with the Knights of Columbus, where he volunteers for community projects and supports a variety of fundraising efforts.

Experience: Louis earned a degree in automotive mechanics and built a career in the automotive industry. He was the New Car Manager at James Motor Company before being promoted to Finance Manager, gaining experience in financial management and customer service. In addition to his professional career, Louis owns and operates a small cattle ranch.

“Electricity is important for everyone — whether it’s powering a fence or heating or cooling a house. I would like to be a part of keeping the expense of electricity to a minimum.”