On Tuesday, Alabama voters will go to the polls to elect new leaders, vote on whether or not to ratify the recompiled constitution and consider ten statewide amendments, as well as many local issues.
The Ninth Amendment directly affects the community of Lakeside in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties. The State Legislature is recommending that the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) be tasked with regulating the private sewer system in Lake View.
A “yes” vote would be in support of having the PSC regulate privately owned sewer systems and plants in Lake View, Alabama, from 2023 to 2027.
A “no” vote would keep things as they are now, and the PSC would not regulate Lakeside’s privately owned sewer systems.
Amendment 9 is somewhat similar to Amendment 8, which would allow the PSC to regulate privately owned and operated sewer systems in Shelby County.
When the PSC is given oversight authority over a sewer system, it can set rates and establish rules and regulations for its operation.
This is on the statewide ballot because two State Senators voted no on the motion to consider the local application.
Amendment 9 is similar to Amendment 8, which would authorize the PSC to regulate sewer systems in Shelby County.
Amendment 9 reads: “Relating to Jefferson County and Tuscaloosa County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way of public roads in the city limits of Lake View under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission, beginning January 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2027. (Proposed by Act 2022-288).”
Voters can vote yes or no.
Under Amendment 9, “Any privately owned plant, property, or facility used for the collection, treatment, or disposal of sewage that uses, directly or through a lease or contract, public rights-of-way of public roads for any part of its collection or disposal system and that has residential or commercial customers located in the city limits of Lake View in Tuscaloosa County and Jefferson County that are billed a flat service fee or fee based on water usage shall be certified and regulated by the Public Service Commission, beginning January 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2027, in relation to all of the customers of the entity located in the city limits of Lake View in Jefferson County and Tuscaloosa County, and in the unincorporated areas of Tuscaloosa County.”
In addition to the constitutional changes, Alabama voters will also vote for new elected leaders. These include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, two of the three PSC members, Treasurer, Secretary of State, State Auditor, U.S. Senate, seven members of Congress, all 35 members of the Alabama State Senate, all 105 members of the Alabama House of Representatives, members of the state school board, as well as numerous county offices.
Voters must vote at their assigned polling place. To participate in an Alabama election, the voter must bring a valid photo ID to the polls. Polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm.
Voters without a valid photo ID may obtain a free voter ID from their local board of registrars or by contacting the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. There is no same-day registration in Alabama, so if you have moved but have not updated your registration, you will need to vote at the polling place where you previously lived. If you are not already a registered voter in Alabama, you will not be able to participate in Tuesday’s election. There is no electronic voting in Alabama.
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