Incumbents, Ballot Measures Win In Tempe Election

By Claire Caulfield
Published: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - 2:28pm
Updated: Thursday, March 15, 2018 - 9:01am
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The city of Tempe completed its first entirely mail-in election Tuesday. Voters could begin mailing in their ballots mid-February, or they could drop their ballot off in-person at two centers in Maricopa County.

About 25 percent of registered voters participated, which is not a significant difference than voter turnout in past city council elections.

City Council

Incumbents Lauren Kuby and Robin Arredondo-Savage held on to their city council positions. New candidate Jennifer Adams won the third seat by just 80 votes.

Kuby received 23 percent of the vote with a platform emphasizing environmental sustainability. She currently works as community engagement manager for ASU's school of sustainability.

Arredondo-Savage, the Vice-Mayor of Tempe, places emphasis on her economic experience. She previously served on the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board and also chaired the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. The veteran of the U.S. Army received 21 percent of the vote.

Adams has worked for the city of Tempe for nearly 30 years and received 16 percent of the vote. 

All three winning candidates received at least one degree from Arizona State University. 

Tempe elections are non-partisan, so candidates do not disclose their Republican or Democratic leanings.

Ballot Measures

All three city ballot measures passed by overwhelming margins.

Prop 403, which requires campaigns to disclose their “dark money” contributions, passed with 91 percent approval. A measure to block cities and towns from forcing dark money disclosures is currently moving through the state legislature, which could lead to future conflict between the city of Tempe and the state's election laws.

A proposition to turn Papago park into a preserve was also popular, passing 88-12.

The third proposition would raise the city’s budget floor; 74 percent of voters approved.

The Papago Park and budget propositions will require additional city council approval.

Politics