There’s more at stake than a chance to win loads of free stuff at the 75th annual meeting of Orcas Power and Light Cooperative, but there is that, too.

On Saturday, May 5, results of this spring’s election for two positions on the Opalco board of directors will be announced onboard the morning sailing of the inter-island ferry, the time-honored location of Opalco’s annual meeting.

Three candidates are vying for two positions in Opalco’s district 2, which encompasses Orcas, Armitage, Big Double, Blakely, Fawn, Little Double and Obstruction islands. The race for the two District 2 positions features challenger Lance Evans running against two incumbents, Winnie Adams and Opalco board chairman, Chris Thomerson.

Co-op members can cast votes in elections for Opalco’s board of directors regardless of the district in which they live. That means residents of San Juan Island, or Lopez, or Brown Island, can vote for any of three candidates vying for the two District 2 positions.

Ballots began arriving in mailboxes of co-op members earlier this week. Members can cast two votes for two candidates; absentee ballots can be cast online, at Opalco’s website, ww.opalco.com., by mail, or at the May 5 annual meeting. Votes can be cast onboard the inter-island ferry as well. Voters will be automatically entered to into a drawing of a total of six $75 credits off a monthly power bill.

The seven-person Opalco board of directors sets policy and oversees financial affairs of the local power cooperative, which provides electrical power to more than 11,000 members on 20 separate islands. Founded in 1937, Opalco touts providing electricty that is 95 percent free of greenhouse gases and that is generated predominantely by hydro-electric power plants.

Members of the board serve three-year terms, with elections staggered by district. (Candidate bios are available at www.opalco.com)

Along with announcement of election results, Opalco’s 75th annual meeting will include a free brunch and a $7.50 credit toward the next monthly power bill for every co-op household represented.

But that’s not all.

Door prizes include a $750 power bill credit, energy efficient power and garden tools, gift certificates, kitchen applicances and tools, camping and sporting equipment, and art and merchandise donated by local businesses, merchants and artists.

In recognition of its 75th annual meeting, Opalco is also honoring long-standing co-op members, and past and current staff, who have contributed to its legacy. Featured on Opalco’s website is a timeline of landmark events, gallery of stories, photos and videos, and biographical information on some of the co-op’s longest-standing members. Stories, photos and memorabilia can also be shared on Opalco’s Facebook page.

Co-op members 75 years of age or older will be presented a “special gift” at the annual meeting by registering for the meeting at the Opalco’s website. A limited number of print editions of the co-op’s 2012 annual will be available as part of the 75th annual meeting celebration as well.

The May 5 annual meeting will get under way earlier than in the past because of this year’s spring ferry schedule. Those attending from San Juan Island must arrive at Spring Street Landing by 7 a.m. to catch a chartered boat (376-3549 to reserve a seat). For a complete travel schedule, visit www.opalco.com.