Early voting is underway in the Salt River Project election, which will determine leadership positions that oversee power and water rates for more than two million Arizona customers. Only certain landowners can vote because eligibility is tied to historic arrangements from the early 1900s, when landowners pledged their property as collateral to build Roosevelt Dam, and voting power is still based on an acreage system that courts have upheld as constitutional.
To vote, individuals must own or represent qualifying land, be registered Arizona voters, and live in the state, which excludes many renters and non-landowners who still pay SRP bills and has drawn criticism from officials like Attorney General Kris Mayes. Interest in this year’s election is unusually high, with ballot requests more than doubling amid increased involvement by groups such as Turning Point Action and longstanding engagement from environmental organizations. Voting is available by mail or at SRP Headquarters through Election Day on April 7.
