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May 21 election includes run-offs, issues

By Tara Drach

Tempe’s May 21 general election is just a few weeks away, but some area residents already have begun casting their votes.

Early voting began April 18, enabling residents to return mail-in ballots or vote in person at early-polling locations.

The general election encompasses three ballot issues and a run-off for remaining City Council seats.

Incumbent Ben Arredondo received more than 50 percent of the 13,614 ballots cast and was re-elected outright during the March 12 primary; however, none of the other candidates received the required majority.

Run-off candidates include incumbent Leonard W. Copple, along with hopefuls Pam Goronkin, Carol McKnight and Jay Mansperger.

“It’s very gratifying to have the mass enough of votes in the primary to continue in the general election,” said Goronkin, a longtime Warner area resident. “It narrows the field of competition and brings me one step closer to success.”

She does not view campaigning in a runoff election as negative. In fact, she insists, “It’s re-energizing.”

Says Goronkin:

“Even though it is like starting over, I have confidence from the voters that allows me to continue a strong campaign.”

Kyrene Corridor resident Copple said that while the runoff election is the same as any other election for the candidates, “there is an apparent lack of interest in the campaign by the press and the public.”

He feels this is evident in the lack of candidate forums. “While there was half a dozen or so during the primary, there has only been one forum during the runoff,” said Copple.  

In addition to the runoff election, three local issues will be on the ballot:

Proposition 200: Initiative Proposal regarding Smoke-Free Workplaces;

Proposition 400: Permanent Adjustment of Expenditure Base; and

A bond election containing five questions regarding water and sewer improvements, street improvement, law enforcement, fire protection and community services/park improvements, altogether totaling $158 million.

Tempe voters who received an early ballot for the March 12 primary will automatically receive an early ballot for the May 21 general.

Phone requests for an early-mail ballot can be made by calling the Maricopa County Elections Department at (602) 506-1511.

Written requests should be made to the Maricopa County Elections Department, 2025 E. University Drive, Phoenix, 85034. Written requests should include:

1) Voter's name and residence address; 2) birth date; 3) election for which ballot is requested; 4) address where the ballot is to be mailed, if different than residence address; and 5) signature of requester.

Requests for an early ballot must be made by 5 p.m. May 10.

Residents who are eligible to vote in the general election and want to vote by early ballot in person may do so at any of the Maricopa County Recorder Offices at 111 S. Third Ave.,  Phoenix; 2025 E. University Drive, Phoenix; or 222 E. Javelina, Mesa.

Early voting continues through May 17.

Early voting for the general election will also be available at the Tempe Library, 3500 S. Rural Road, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 17. p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Polling places in the Kyrene Corridor are:

Tempe Church of the Nazarene, 3929 S. Rural Road; First Baptist Church of Tempe, 4525 S. McClintock Drive; Tempe Union High School District Office, 500 W. Guadalupe Road; Lakes Community Center, 5501 S. Lakeshore Drive; Lakeshore Bible Church of God, 6415 S. Lakeshore Drive; Tri-City Alliance Church, 1945 E. Guadalupe Road; Kyrene de la Mariposa School, 50 E. Knox Road; and Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church, 1565 E. Warner Road.

Additional precinct and polling place information can be found at: www.recorder.maricopa.gov/pollingplace.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 21, election day.

For more information call the City Clerk at (480) 350-8241 or visit www.tempe.gov/clerk.

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