Tucson Voters Head to the Polls: Cast Your Ballot for Prop. 414 from 6 AM to 7 PM!

Tucson voters have until 7 p.m. Tuesday to participate in the special election concerning Prop. 414, known as the Safe & Vibrant City Initiative. This proposition proposes an increase in the city’s sales tax by half a cent per dollar, projecting an annual revenue boost of approximately $80 million, totaling $800 million over a decade.

The allocated funds aim to enhance public safety and fund social programs aimed at supporting low-income residents and the homeless. As of now, about 25% of city voters have already returned their ballots.

Supporters of Prop 414 include police and fire unions, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and various local business leaders. They argue that the funding will address urgent issues such as public safety and homelessness. However, opposition arises from groups like the Tucson Metro Chamber and the Tucson Association of Realtors, who believe the funding is necessary but are against the proposed sales tax increase. Some homeless advocates criticize the initiative for allocating excessive resources to the police department.

Voters have multiple options for casting their ballots or dropping off completed mail-in ballots at any of the seven designated vote centers throughout Tucson. These locations include:

• Department of Housing and Community Development, 310 N. Commerce Park Loop
• Morris K. Udall Regional Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
• Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.
• William Clements Recreation Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.
• El Pueblo Senior Center, 101 W. Irvington Rd.
• Parks and Recreation Administration at Randolph Park, 900 S. Randolph Way
• City Clerk’s Elections Support Facility, 800 E. 12th St.

Additionally, voters can drop off completed ballots at any Pima County Recorder’s Office branch, although replacement ballots will not be available at these locations. Branch offices include:

• Downtown, 240 N. Stone Ave.
• Elections branch office, 6550 S. Country Club Rd.
• East Side office, 6920 E. Broadway (closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.)

On February 12, the City Clerk’s Office distributed over 305,000 ballots to Tucson voters. As of Monday, the city reported a voter turnout of approximately 25%, with 78,253 ballots returned.

The initial election results, based on verified vote-by-mail ballots, are expected shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday. This will be the only results release that day, but officials will continue counting ballots throughout the week, noted City Clerk Suzanne Mesich. The counting process can be lengthy due to the additional ballots dropped off on Election Day, which require signature verification.

Prop. 414 outlines significant funding allocations for various initiatives. About two-thirds will be directed toward public safety enhancements, including new staff, equipment, and improved emergency response systems. The remaining funds focus on social services for the homeless and low-income individuals, encompassing job training, housing assistance, and more.

Proposed funding distribution includes:

• $246 million for capital investments in first responder services, including vehicles and safety equipment.
• $182 million for hiring more personnel in police, fire, and emergency response roles.
• $140 million for affordable housing initiatives and addiction recovery programs.
• $134 million for community resilience programs aimed at crime reduction and youth employment.
• $98 million for technology enhancements intended to bolster public safety operations.

If approved, Tucson’s sales tax would rise to 9.2%. Currently, the total sales tax rate stands at 8.7%, which consists of various local and state taxes. The half-cent sales tax dedicated to the Regional Transportation Authority is set to expire next year, with local officials planning to prepare for its potential renewal.