Why can some APS customers can vote in the SRP Board and Council elections
I’ve mentioned in every one of my videos and posts that APS customers who own property in SRP “votable lands” have a right to vote in the SRP board and council elections this coming April.
But why?
It’s simple, but like many things with Salt River Project, it goes back to the very quirky way that SRP was first created in 1903.
Source: Library of Congress
When SRP was first created under federal law as an agricultural improvement district more than 100 years ago, SRP was not an electricity provider. It was only in the business of deliver water to farmers through canals.
Once the farmers all put their land up as collateral for federal loans to build Roosevelt Dam and other infrastructure, they got in to the business of generating hydro power.
Think side gig as a Lyft driver.
But even then, they didn’t deliver electricity to all of the areas in Maricopa County that they do now. Some of those areas were open desert at the time. Some developed areas did not even have electricity. Others were serviced by the predecessor to Arizona Public Service (APS).
But over time the power companies either swapped service territory or they took on territory that they did not previously have.
In either case, people with land in SRP’s “votable lands” sometimes have SRP power and sometimes they have APS power.
Regardless, when I hear people say, “Oh, I can’t vote in that because I get APS power,” I have to stop myself from uttering the two worst words that can ever come out a middle aged guys mouth: “Well, actually…”
It’s totally strange, for sure. But it is true. If you own a property in SRP votable lands you most likely can vote, even if you are an APS customer.
Wanna see where you stand? First, follow this link to see if your property(ies) are in SRP votable lands. Second, register that (or those) properties to vote at this link.
Be sure to register all owners who are on the deed! If you own more than one property, you can register all of them.
Once you are registered, you stay registered until your property ownership changes.
Wait. It gets better.
Speaking of quirky history leading to confusing voting rules, check this out.
Over the last century, SRP has added to its service territory outside of the votable lands, like Fountain Hills and Apache Junction.
So, those folks don’t have a right to vote on the SRP board but they own their homes!
I wonder how many of those folks know that? I’m guessing not many.
Let’s recap.
SRP customers who own property in votable lands can vote. Some APS customers who own property in votable lands can vote. Renters in SRP votable lands can’t vote. Home owners and renters that get SRP service, but which are not in SRP votable lands can’t vote.
You could spend thousands per year on electricity with SRP, but have no right to vote. Yet others don’t even get SRP power, and they get to vote for who will represent everyone else!
Seems unfair, huh?
Take it up with the board.
Or …and I’m just spitballing here… only support candidates who want to see this voting system reformed.
I’m just sayin’.