Voters back election cycle changes, other proposals

Phoenix voters overwhelmingly approved ballot measures that will change the way the city conducts its elections, according to preliminary election results.

There were six city propositions on the ballot, and all were passing in early returns.

The most controversial consolidates the city's elections with the county.

Currently, Phoenix holds its regular elections in August of odd years, with a runoff in November if necessary.

Under Proposition 411, the city will combine its elections with the county in November of even years and city races will appear on the same ballot as state and federal races. Runoffs will be held in March of the following year if necessary.

Proponents of consolidated elections say it will save the city money and boost the city's abysmal voter turnout.

Opponents fear that local issues will be drowned out if city elections are combined with national races. They also say consolidating will politicize city elections, which are nonpartisan.

Three of the other Phoenix ballot propositions make technical changes to the city's charter related to consolidated elections.

Another measure, Proposition 412, allows the council to remove members who violate the city's new nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy.

Proposition 413 renews the city's utility agreement with Southwest Gas.

Prop. 411 changes the date of Phoenix elections to coincide with county and statewide elections.

Right now, Phoenix holds its council and mayoral elections in the fall of odd years, while the county, state and federal races are held during even years.

Phoenix's elections will be held in November of even years and the city races will appear on the regular county ballot. If a runoff is required, the city will hold the election in March.

This measure will also have the side effect of extending all of the current council members' terms by a year so that the next elections fall on even years.

Supporters of consolidated elections say the move will increase voter turnout. Opponents believe it will politicize city elections, which are nonpartisan.

Prop. 412 gives the OK for City Council members to remove elected officials who violate the city’s new nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy for elected officials.

Part of that policy allows council members to kick one another off the council if they're found to have violated the policy.

But allowing the removal of elected officials required a change of the city's charter, which required voter approval.