Apache Junction council canvasses Nov. 4 special election, approves change of mayoral term to four years

Apache Junction ' City staff presented the certified results of a Nov. 4 special election on Proposition 4-93 and the council voted unanimously on Nov. 15 to adopt the results and to revise the city code to change the mayoral term from two years to four.

City staff referenced Arizona Revised Statute cited in the presentation requiring municipalities that held special elections to canvas results between six and 20 days after the election. Staff said the certified totals were 3,645 votes for the proposition and 2,586 against.

Council adopted Resolution 25-33 to accept the certified results and then adopted Ordinance 15-71, which amends the city code to change the mayoral term of office from two to four years. Staff said the ordinance will take effect after the council's action and apply to the upcoming election cycle per the ordinance language.

Council members and staff thanked the clerk and other staff members (Evie and outside counsel were recognized) for their work coordinating a bilingual publicity pamphlet, county coordination across Pinal and Maricopa counties, and meeting election deadlines during a tight timeline.

Outcome and next steps The council approved both measures unanimously. The city will implement the code change according to the ordinance's effective-date provisions and prepare for the next election under the new term length.

Vote at a glance - Resolution 25-33 (canvass adoption): passed unanimously. - Ordinance 15-71 (change mayoral term to 4 years): adopted unanimously.