If you’ve resolved to make a difference in 2026 or you’re looking for opportunities to step up and serve our community in a bigger way, now might be your chance.
Perhaps you think you have the skills to take some facet of our community to the next level, or perhaps you want to help carry on what you view as the good work already underway. Maybe you just want to encourage someone else you think can make a different or support those you feel are doing a great job.
Any which way, it’s important to note that candidate processes are underway for multiple public offices in our community.
Are you interested in our local electric cooperative and its future?
La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) members interested in running for a seat on its board of directors can now access the board director candidate packets at lpea.coop/elections.
Prospective candidates must return all completed materials by 1 p.m. on March 21 for consideration. Materials may be mailed or hand-delivered to LPEA’s Durango office or Pagosa Springs.
To be eligible to run for a three-year term on the LPEA board, keep in mind you must be a member of LPEA for at least one year immediately prior to becoming a director; be a bona fide resident of the district you plan to represent for at least 120 days prior to becoming a director; and not be employed by, or have a spouse or child employed by, LPEA in any position.
Qualified candidates will be added to the official ballot mailed to LPEA members in April.
If you live in town, the position of mayor and three at-large town council seats will be up for election on April 7.
Candidate packets, information and requirements are available at Town Hall. Nomination petitions must be turned in by Jan. 26. Information can also be found at pagosasprings.co.gov.
If you’re looking to throw your hat in the ring for something else, several of Archuleta County’s elected positions will appear on upcoming ballots, including county commissioner for District 3, clerk and recorder, coroner, sheriff, assessor and treasurer.
Candidates who are affiliated with a major political party can now begin the petitioning process. The last day last day a petition can be submitted to the Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to verify sufficiency is March 18.
More information on being a candidate at the county level is available at archuletacounty.gov/county-government/elected-offices/clerk-recorder/elections/candidate-information/.
As we move into the next election season, we would like to offer a reminder that The SUN will not accept letters to the editor from candidates, current public officials when the topic is the organization they serve with or within three weeks prior to an election.
For more information on letters to the editor, see page A3 or pagosasun.com/forms/letters/.
It’s also important to remember: If public office isn’t your thing, there continue to be numerous ways to make this community a better place through avenues such as donations, volunteering and kindness.
Randi Pierce
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