Heritage Co-op moves director elections online

Heritage Co-op is introducing online voting for its 2026 director elections.

The initiative is designed to make it easier for members to take part in the democratic process.

The member-owned co-operative announced that voting will take place from March 16 to 27 using a secure digital platform, while still providing in-person options for those who prefer assistance.

The organization hopes the added flexibility will encourage more members to participate, chief executive officer Leanne DeVliegere told the Sun.

“By offering online, advanced voting, we’ve made the process more accessible and flexible, and we believe that will encourage greater participation across our membership,” she said in an email.

Heritage Co-op has more than 36,000 members and operates a network of retail locations across southwestern Manitoba.

The introduction of online voting follows a bylaw change approved in 2024 that allows for advance and digital voting opportunities. The change reflects feedback from members seeking more convenient ways to participate in governance, the organization said in a news release on Monday.

To ensure the integrity of the process, DeVliegere said the co-op has taken a security-focused approach to the online platform.

Members will be required to verify their identity before accessing a ballot, and safeguards are in place to ensure each eligible member can vote only once.

“The voting platform is supported by strong security measures, monitoring and backup protections,” she said. “Once a vote is submitted, it’s securely recorded, and members can choose to receive a unique reference number for their own peace of mind.”

DeVliegere added that members’ votes will be private.

“Importantly, Heritage Co-op never sees how individual members voted — only the final results — helping ensure privacy and trust in the process,” she said.

While the system allows members to vote from their own devices, the co-op will also provide in-person opportunities for members who may not be comfortable using technology.

Staff will be available at several Heritage Co-op locations to help members log in and navigate the voting platform using devices provided by the organization.

“Our team will be on hand to help with the technical steps — things like logging in and navigating the system — so members feel comfortable and supported,” DeVliegere said. “The role of our staff is strictly technical; we’re committed to protecting confidentiality and ensuring every member has a secure, accessible way to cast their vote.”

In-person voting sessions will be held at the Brandon and Rivers food stores on March 23, the Sandy Lake and Erickson food stores on March 24, the Wawanesa gas bar on March 25 and the Strathclair home centre on March 27. Members can also vote at the Minnedosa administration office on weekdays during the voting period.

Election results will be announced at the co-op’s annual general meeting on April 29 at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre, with a satellite location at the Brandon Agro site. The meeting will also include the annual financial review and the introduction of recipients of the 2026 Community Development Fund. If the new system proves popular, the co-op may explore other ways to expand digital engagement with members.

“Online voting gives us a great chance to understand how our members feel about digital engagement,” DeVliegere said. “If our members find value in it, we’re certainly open to exploring other digital options that make sense for them.”

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