Topeka-based Western Resources won shareholder approval Tuesday to officially change its name to Westar Energy Inc.

The name change was one of the issues shareholders were asked to vote on at the firm’s annual meeting in New York. The company said that it would announce in several weeks when the change will occur.

Shareholders also re-elected several board members, including Lawrence resident Frank J. Becker. Other re-elected board members include Douglas T. Lake and R.A. Edwards.

Monday’s meeting marked the first time the company had its annual meeting outside the Midwest in years. The company has been criticized by some shareholders for holding the meeting so far from Kansas.

Wayne Whitney, president of Lawrence’s Whitney Financial Group, said he suspected the company moved the meeting to avoid criticism from shareholders who were upset about the company’s stock price.

Company officials did not return calls seeking comment.