Title
Form of the Ballot for Nov. 7, 2023 Special Bond Election (Ordinance S-49806)
Description
This report requests City Council approval of an ordinance establishing the form of the ballot for the City of Phoenix Special Bond Election to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.
Report
Summary
This ordinance establishes the language that will be printed on the ballot. In this election registered voters who reside in the City of Phoenix will vote to approve or reject certain questions related to the selling and issuance of general obligation bonds. Four bond questions, if approved, would establish the authorization to sell up to $214,000,000 general obligation bonds for fire, police, roadway and pedestrian infrastructure projects; up to $108,615,000 general obligation bonds for library, parks and historic preservation projects; up to $114,385,000 general obligation bonds for workforce and job creation, education, economic development, environment, sustainability, arts, and culture projects; and up to $63,000,000 general obligation bonds for affordable housing and senior center projects.
At the May 3, 2023 Formal Council Meeting, the City Council ordered the Special Bond Election and approved the election to be a ballot by mail election conducted by Maricopa County. The form of the ballot for this election is consistent with the requirements of applicable State law, as Maricopa County will be conducting the election.
Public Outreach
All eligible registered voters in Phoenix will receive notification of the election and will automatically be sent a ballot by mail. Households with one or more registered voters will receive an Informational Pamphlet, which contains general information about the election, including key dates related to when ballots will be mailed and when ballot replacement sites will be open. Arguments supporting or opposing any of the bond questions must be filed with the City Clerk no later than ninety days prior to the election, at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9, 2023. Arguments are limited to 300 words and are printed in the Informational Pamphlet. Several publications and news releases will be provided throughout the election process and shared on a variety of platforms, including print and social media. All election information will be provided in English and Spanish and will be available on phoenix.gov/elections.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer and the City Clerk Department.