KELSEYVILLE – The Lake County Winegrape Commission is preparing for this year’s board member election, and declaration of candidacy forms are due by May 4.

The commission president is urging winegrape growers to participate in the election process.

“This is your opportunity to have a voice on the commission board. Vote and let your voice be heard,” Commission President Shannon Gunier is telling the growers.

On April 19, the commission office mailed information regarding the elections to eligible producers, those who produced more than 25 tons of winegrapes in the 2011 harvest. The information included the declaration of candidacy forms and election calendar.

Four board member positions are open, according to Gunier.

Incumbents Randy Krag and Jeff Lyon are each completing a two-year term. Dana DiRicco and Pedro Rubio have decided to not run again.

Winegrape growers are urged to cast their ballots, which will be mailed to all eligible Lake County voters on May 10, to help the commission continue its purpose “to implement effective marketing, education, and research programs on behalf of Lake County winegrape growers.”

In a letter to growers, Gunier says, “You can express your opinion by voting for the growers who you feel best represent your interests.”

Ballots must be returned (postmarked by) no later than May 24.

According to the official 2012 Election Calendar, the returned ballots will be opened and counted by the Commission’s accountant on May 29.

The accountant will give the results to the president, and official results of the elections will be made public and will be posted on the commission’s Web site.

Elected board members will be seated at the first regularly scheduled meeting following the May 29 tally.

Official by-laws for nominations and elections are available from the commission Web site, www.lakecountywinegrape.org .

Growers with questions about the election calendar or process are also encouraged to contact Gunier by calling the office, 707-995-3421.