WFEC announces change to district 8 election

West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) annual trustee election is proceeding as scheduled, despite a recent correction involving an ineligible candidate listed on District 8 ballots.

According to a release from WFEC, ballots for the cooperative’s board of trustee elections were mailed to members on March 13. Shortly after distribution, it was discovered that Danielle Dubin, who had been listed as a candidate for the District 8 seat, did not meet the residency requirements necessary to qualify for the position.

WFEC officials stated the error was unintentional and acknowledged the oversight, noting the cooperative worked alongside its Board of Trustees, legal counsel, and its third-party election vendor, Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS), to determine the appropriate course of action.

As a result, votes cast for Dubin will not be counted in the final tally. Members who have already submitted ballots and wish to vote again may request a replacement ballot through their local WFEC office. Replacement ballots will be issued by SBS, which administers the cooperative’s election process.

WFEC confirmed that the District 8 election will continue as planned, with the seat awarded to the eligible candidate receiving a majority of valid votes. However, the cooperative noted that if votes cast for Dubin ultimately affect the outcome of the race, a special election will be conducted to ensure fairness.

The cooperative emphasized that the issue is isolated to District 8 and does not impact the District 6 election.

WFEC also highlighted the safeguards in place to maintain election integrity. Through its partnership with SBS, all ballots are distributed, collected, and tabulated independently. Ballots are sent directly to the vendor’s facility in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and WFEC does not have access to individual voting data. The cooperative stated these measures ensure confidentiality, prevent duplicate voting, and uphold transparency throughout the process.

In a separate statement, Dubin addressed her disqualification, stating it occurred “through no fault of my own,” while expressing disappointment with the outcome. It was later found that Dubin met the requirements to run for District 7 seat and intends to run for this seat in 2027.

“Serving our community and ensuring that the voices of WFEC members are heard has always been my motivation,” Dubin said. “While I am disappointed by WFEC’s determination, I believe it is important to openly communicate this situation with the members of the cooperative and our community.”

Dubin confirmed she will no longer campaign for the District 8 seat in the current election cycle but intends to remain involved in the cooperative and plans to run for the District 7 Board of Trustees position in 2027.

“I remain committed to advocating for the interests of cooperative members,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to engage with members, listening to your concerns, and earning your trust and support in the years ahead.”

WFEC officials reiterated their commitment to a fair and secure election process and expressed appreciation for members’ understanding as the situation is addressed.