Final week approaches for Prescott voters

Primary ballots due in by 7 p.m. Aug. 29

Now about two weeks into the City of Prescott’s primary voting period, more than 6,000 ballots have been processed at the County Recorder’s Office.

Ballots for the city’s primary were mailed to 29,008 registered voters on Aug. 7, and are due back by Aug. 29.

Cindy Pemberton, administrative assistant in County Recorder Leslie Hoffman’s office, reported Friday, Aug. 18, that 6,054 ballots had been processed. That amounts to about 21 percent of all registered voters.

Voters are deciding two propositions in the primary, and also are choosing from among mayoral and council candidates.

The propositions include:

• Proposition 442 – the city’s bid to extend its Alternate Expenditure Limitation (Home Rule Option) for four more years. (See related story).

• Proposition 443 – the ballot measure asking for a 0.75-percent increase in the City of Prescott’s sales tax to help pay down the more than $78 million in unfunded liability with the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). If approved the tax would take effect on Jan. 1, 2018, and would end the earlier of Dec. 31, 2027, or when the city’s PSPRS unfunded liability is $1.5 million or less. (See related story, and www.dcourier.com/news/elections/ for Prop. 443 coverage).

Also appearing on the ballot:

• Mayoral candidates: Mary Beth Hrin, Greg Mengarelli, and Jean Wilcox.

• Council candidates: Steve Blair, Connie Cantelme, Phil Goode, Greg Lazzell, Alexa Scholl, and Joe Viccica.

Prescott’s current mayor, Harry Oberg, announced earlier this year he would not be seeking another term. Council seats currently held by Wilcox, Blair, and Lazzell are all up for election. The mayor’s term is for two years, while the council terms run four years.

Candidates receiving at least 50 percent of the vote plus one will be elected outright in the primary. A run-off is set for the Nov. 7 general election for any positions that are not filled in the primary. The two top vote-getters for each unfilled position advance to the run-off.

Registered voters now have just over a week to cast their ballots, which are due by 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. The Recorder’s Office advises that if voters intend to mail their ballots in, they should do so at least six days before Aug. 29 to ensure arrival before the deadline.

Those who do not make that cut-off should use the county’s drop box, which is located outside the Yavapai County building, 1015 Fair St., or the drop box available inside Prescott City Hall, 201 S. Cortez St. – accessible during business hours.