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Waiting and Watching Washington
Passage by Congress of the Budget Control Act last week has state and local governments watching carefully. The Act calls for two phases of federal deficit reduction -- the first phase reduces just under $1.0 trillion in spending over the next decade; the second phase creates a special committee of Congress to recommend additional deficit reduction measures of up to $1.5 trillion. Members of the special committee, including Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, must agree before Thanksgiving on a legislative package that meets that goal; then the full House and Senate must vote on the package by December 23.
Phoenix receives significant funding from the federal government for programs that benefit Phoenix residents, so staff is watching closely so that the city is prepared for any changes to those programs. Short term impacts are minimal. We all will know more as the special committee completes its work.
Superior Court Decision Upholds Health Care Cuts
On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Superior Court upheld the State's decision in its fiscal 2012 budget to cut up to $500 million from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) through changes in eligibility criteria. The ruling stemmed from a claim that the legislative act violates Proposition 204, an initiative approved by voters in 2000, that expanded AHCCCS coverage eligibility. Barring a successful appeal, the state budget is estimated to be on track to finish only $32 million in the red by the end of the fiscal year.
Source: P.L.A.N.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today announced her enthusiastic endorsement of Peggy Neely as the next Mayor of Phoenix.
“I have admired Peggy Neely’s record of job creation and her devotion to government reform,” stated Governor Brewer. “With the passage of Arizona’s economic competitiveness package and the creation of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona needs experienced leaders who are dedicated to public-private partnerships and job creation.
“Peggy fits that bill and has my full support. I look forward to working with her on Arizona’s comeback.”
Former Phoenix City Councilwoman Neely said, “I am extremely honored by our Governor’s support. Governor Brewer has been a model for making hard decisions and standing by them. I will work hand-in-hand with her administration to make Phoenix and Arizona number one in job creation.”
Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor
Overview
The City of Phoenix will be implementing Voting Centers for the Mayor and City Council Election in August 2011. The change to Voting Centers was approved by the Mayor and City Council and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The 26 Voting Centers will replace the traditional 128 polling places, making voting more convenient, flexible, and accessible. Voting Centers will ONLY apply to City of Phoenix elections.
The Early Voting process does not change. In City Elections, over 90% of ballots are cast by mail. Under State law, any registered voter may request to be on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) to automatically receive a ballot by mail for all elections.
Key dates related to the early voting process:
May 2 – Notice mailed to voters on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL); voters may also begin to request early ballots
August 4 – Early Ballot mailing begins and Early Voting starts at Phoenix City Hall
August 13 and August 20 – Early Voting sites will be open throughout the city
August 19 – Last day to request an early ballot by mail
August 26 – Last day for on site Early Voting at Phoenix City Hall
How Voting Centers Work
26 Voting Centers will be open for three days – on Saturday, August 27, Monday, August 29 and Tuesday, August 30 (Election Day), replacing 128 polling places in the City.
Any voter may cast a ballot at any location; voters are not limited to one designated polling place.
Voters can replace or drop-off an early ballot at any Early Voting or Voting Center location.
Benefits of Voting Centers
Continue popular Early Voting process and retain an in-person voting option.
Greater convenience for voters to be able to cast a ballot at any of the 26 voting center locations over three days – close to home, work or other activities.
Improved sites, service and support – Most Voting Center locations are accessible by public transportation, near business or shopping cores, and along major streets. Improved service and support at each location from fewer facilities to staff.
Lower cost than traditional polling place elections or an all mail election.
For More Information
For further information on the Voting Centers, the Early Voting process, or for other City election-related questions, please use one or more of the following resources:
Website – http://phoenix.gov/ELECTION/elect.html
Email – elections@phoenix.gov
Phone – 602-261-VOTE (8683)
Fax – 602-495-5080
TTY – 602-534-2737
Source:
Cris A. Meyer
City Clerk
The Voting Centers will be in effect for the August Mayor and Council election and all future city of Phoenix elections. Now, we would appreciate your help to spread the word about Voting Centers and how they work.
The concept is simple. For city of Phoenix elections, 26 Voting Centers will replace the traditional 128 polling places. Voters can go to any Voting Center to cast their vote and will no longer be limited to a specific polling place. The Voting Centers also will be open for three days – on Saturday, August 27, Monday, August 29, and Tuesday, August 30 (Election Day). These significant changes will make voting more convenient, flexible and accessible for the public.
Also, the Early Voting process, including voting by mail and the Permanent Early Voting List, will remain the same with Voting Centers.
Please note that Voting Centers ONLY apply to City of Phoenix elections. It will not yet be used for federal, state and county elections.
Click here to download the map of voting center locations.
Representatives from our Elections Division will be available to make a presentation about Voting Centers, if needed. Please contact me at 602-262-6558, or via email at cris.meyer@phoenix.gov, if you have any questions or comments.
Source:
Cris A. Meyer
City Clerk
