Poder Latinx Urges SRP Ratepayers to Act Ahead of Critical Utility Election, Calls for Volunteers to Support Outreach in Phoenix Communities
Phoenix, AZ — As Arizona families brace for another season of extreme heat and rising electricity costs, Poder Latinx is urging eligible voters to take action in the upcoming Salt River Project (SRP) Board Special Election. This is a low-turnout but high-impact election that directly affects utility rates and energy policy for more than one million residents across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Decisions made by the Salt River Project Board determine electricity pricing, infrastructure investments, and the pace of clean energy adoption throughout Maricopa and Pinal counties. Yet despite its far-reaching impact, the SRP election has historically seen minimal participation, leaving critical decisions in the hands of a small fraction of eligible voters.
Key SRP Election Dates:
Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026
Early Voting (By Mail and In Person): March 11 – April 6, 2026
In-Person Early Voting Location:
SRP Administration Building – 1500 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85288
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.Deadline to Request a Mail Ballot: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Election Day: April 7, 2026
In-person voting: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
SRP Administration Building – 1500 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85288Ballot Drop Boxes:
SRP West Valley Service Center – 221 N. 79th Ave., Tolleson, AZ 85353
SRP Southside Water Service Center – 3160 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa, AZ 85210
“For Latino and working families, this election is about kitchen-table realities — whether energy bills remain affordable during the hottest months of the year,” said Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx. “Fair representation on the SRP Board is essential. Its decisions must reflect the needs of everyday ratepayers, not just a select few. Poder Latinx is committed to ensuring our communities understand what is at stake and have the opportunity to shape an energy system rooted in affordability, reliability, and justice.”
More than 750,000 SRP ratepayers are eligible to vote, yet participation has historically remained strikingly low, often fewer than 15,000 voters cast ballots. Many residents are unaware the election is taking place or are unfamiliar with how to participate, allowing critical energy decisions to move forward without broad community input.
Unlike traditional elections, the SRP voting process includes unique rules. Only SRP ratepayers who are homeowners or landowners may vote, excluding many renters and condominium residents. Voters elect both District and Association leadership, and voting power is weighted by acreage, a structure that can give disproportionate influence to large property holders.
Additionally, there is only one in-person voting location across SRP’s expansive service territory.
To improve public awareness, Poder Latinx has launched an educational campaign to inform SRP ratepayers and promote civic participation in the utility board election. , Throughout March, outreach efforts will continue to ensure ratepayers understand key deadlines, voting options, and how SRP decisions directly impact their monthly bills and safety during extreme heat.
Poder Latinx is also recruiting bilingual volunteers ages 16 and older to support canvassing and phone banking efforts for several dates in March, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. MST. Training and community service hours are available, and interested individuals can register to help expand voter awareness and strengthen Latino civic participation. Information and sign up opportunities can be found HERE.
“Energy justice begins with civic participation,” said José Flores, EcoPoder Coordinator in Arizona at Poder Latinx. “When communities understand how SRP policies affect their electricity bills and their well-being during extreme heat, they are empowered to demand accountability. This election is an opportunity to push for more affordable utility rates and ensure SRP reflects the people it serves.”
Poder Latinx encourages all eligible SRP ratepayers to verify their voting eligibility, request their ballots on time, and participate before Election Day. For more information about how to vote in the SRP Special Election, visit: www.poderlatinx.org/SRP.