Tucson Voters: Your Guide to Casting Ballots for Tuesday’s Prop. 414 Election

Tucson election officials have announced that if you haven’t returned your Proposition 414 ballot, it is too late to mail it. However, voters can still drop their ballots off in person until Election Day, which is Tuesday, March 11.

Proposition 414 seeks to increase the city sales tax by half a cent per dollar, potentially generating about $80 million annually. Over its ten-year duration, this could total approximately $800 million. The proposed revenue allocation includes two-thirds for public safety enhancements and one-third for social programs targeting low-income residents and the homeless.

More than 305,000 ballots were mailed to Tucson voters on February 12. By March 5, voter turnout was around 20%, with 62,381 ballots returned. Those wishing to drop off their completed ballots can do so at the City Clerk’s Elections Support Facility or selected Pima County Recorder’s Office locations on designated dates leading up to the election.

Voters needing a replacement ballot can obtain one in person at the Elections Support Facility from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, or Monday before the election. On Election Day, six voting centers will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for voters to drop off or request replacement ballots.

Details of Proposition 414 reveal that approximately $246 million is earmarked for capital investments in public safety, including vehicles and equipment for police and fire departments. About $182 million is allocated for staffing and reinforcement of emergency response services, while $140 million focuses on affordable housing initiatives. Programs aimed at enhancing community resilience, which includes job training and child care, will receive around $134 million. Additionally, $98 million is intended for technological advancements in public safety.

If approved, the sales tax rate in Tucson would rise to 9.2%. Currently, the sales tax sits at 8.7%, which covers a mix of state, county, and city contributions, including dedicated portions for education and infrastructure. As existing local sales taxes are set to expire in the coming years, the renewal plans are underway.

The Pima County Recorder’s Office will verify ballot signatures before handing them off to the City Clerk for tabulation as the election approaches.