Voters across the Valley on Nov. 4 decided the fate of funding approvals and adjustments to term limits for elected officials in what appeared to be a strong turnout for an off-year election, with all of the early ballots counted.
In Chandler, early returns showed that residents appeared to be approving all four bonds by comfortable margins. Voters were also approving changes to the city charter that affected term limits of the mayor.
Residents in Apache Junction also voted on mayoral term limits, with early returns showing the extension was winning by wide margins.
On the other side of the Valley, residents of Avondale were opposing their two bonds and early results were too close to call, while Glendale's two bonds had mixed results by slim margins. Avondale asked for $123 million for improvement projects, while Glendale wanted $65 million for flood control and supporting city facilities.
Fire and medical districts across the Valley also sought millions in funding to help pay for new fire stations, equipment and facility maintenance.
For voters who chose to cast their votes in person, polls closed at 7 p.m.
Election results in Arizona are unofficial until local and state officials have tallied all ballots and certified the results. It's unknown how many ballots remain to be counted.
Check back for updates.
Here's where you can drop off your ballot in Arizona for the Nov. 4 election
Chandler asks voters to approve $475 million in funding and city charter changes
Chandler residents voted on four general bond questions totaling $475 million, the most of any city bond election this year. The bonds would help pay for public safety, streets and parks. They were:
Voters were also asked to decide on two propositions aimed at making city charter changes.
Proposition 410 asked voters to ratify language that clarifies language on mayoral term limits. The issue stems from a legal interpretation that suggested that Mayor Kevin Hartke's — and at least two previous mayors' — stints in office were legal. The outcome will determine whether current two-term councilmember Matt Orlando can run for mayor in 2026. It was passing by a wide margin.
Proposition 411 sought to clarify the city manager’s role. The charter would add that the city manager will serve "at the pleasure of the council," language consistent with other positions that directly report to the council. The new wording would also give the council wiggle room in deciding the city manager's annual salary, contract term and amount of severance pay. It was passing by a wide margin.
Apache Junction asks voters to extend term limits
Apache Junction residents faced a question regarding mayoral terms. Since the city was incorporated in 1978, its mayors served two-year terms.
Proposition 493 asked: Shall the term of office of the City of Apache Junction mayor be changed from two years to four years, effective with the mayoral term of office beginning on Jan. 5, 2027?
A yes vote would make mayoral terms last four years, while a no vote would retain two-year mayoral terms.
It was passing by a wide margin.
Avondale asks voters for $123 million for improvements, additions
Avondale voters considered two general obligation bond propositions amounting to $123 million.
Proposition 404 asked voters to approve $68 million for parks, recreation and library improvements. That would pay for a variety of projects, including shade structures, water conservation, bike and pedestrian paths and bridges, trails, recreational facilities, open space preservation, and library buildings.
The goal of the upgrades was to improve residents' quality of life and attract new businesses to the area, according to the city.
The early results were too close to call.
Proposition 405 asked voters to approve $55 million for projects related to public safety and court improvements. The city would use the funding for new fire, emergency, police and city court facilities.
The city said the projects would reduce emergency response time and enhance public safety services as Avondale continues to grow.
The early results were too close to call.
Glendale wants $65 million to support city infrastructure, maintenance
Glendale asked its voters to approve two general obligation bonds amounting to $65 million.
Question 1 asked voters to approve $30 million to invest in storm drains, pipes and catch basins to remove water during heavy rainfall. It was narrowly passing.
Question 2 asked voters to approve $35 million for facilities that support city infrastructure maintenance. Funds would go to operations facilities where city equipment is maintained and repaired, including public safety vehicles, road preservation, graffiti removal and building maintenance equipment. It would also fund health and safety repairs to aging facilities, including HVAC upgrades, safety improvements and energy efficiency upgrades.
The early results were too close to call, with the no-vote leading by a razor-thin margin.
Fire and medical districts ask for multimillion-dollar funding
The Superstition Fire and Medical District, which serves the growing areas of Gold Canyon, Apache Junction and Superstition Vistas, asked its voters to approve a $33.8 million bond.
Proposition 494 would pay for a new fire station in the Superstition Vistas area, new fire equipment and facility repairs and improvements for air filtration and cancer mitigation.
It was passing by a wide margin.
The South County Fire and Medical District, which serves over 20,000 residents within the Sun Lakes and Tonopah Valley, asked its voters to approve a $23.5 million bond proposal.
Proposition 408 would fund future fire stations, facility renovations and modern firefighting and medical equipment.
It was passing by a comfortable margin.
The North County Fire and Medical District serves over 55,000 residents in Sun City West, Wittmann, and other areas in the northern portions of Maricopa County.
Proposition 407 asked its voters to approve $40.4 million to fund future fire stations, facility renovations and modern firefighting and medical equipment.
It was passing by a comfortable margin.
Elena Santa Cruz covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Surprise and Peoria. Reach her at[email protected] or follow her on X @ecsantacruz3.
Lauren De Young covers Tempe, Chandler, Maricopa County and transportation for The Republic. Reach her at [email protected].
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