Measures on top-two primary election system, sales tax increase for education
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona voters have rejected ballot measures to adopt a top-two primary election system and a sales tax increase to fund education.
Prop. 121 called for Arizona to adopt a system similar to ones used by California, Louisiana and Washington state.
Approval would have meant that only the primary's top two finishers regardless of party affiliation would advance to the general election. And voters could vote for any primary election candidate regardless of party affiliation.
Now, each party's nominee advances to the general election. Also, people registered with a party now can use only the primary election ballot of that party.
Supporters said the proposal would produce more candidates willing to work across party lines. Critics said it'd weaken political parties and the voices they provide.
The one-cent increase would have effectively replaced a temporary sales tax increase that voters approved in 2010 amid a state budget crisis. The temporary increase expires in mid-2013.
The measure would have required that the money be used to increase funding for education, highway projects and social programs. Education backers and other supporters of the measure got it on the ballot for Tuesday's general election through an initiative campaign.
Supporters said the tax increase is a way to provide funding for priorities neglected by the Legislature, while opponents said a tax increase isn't necessary and that the added tax burden would stifle the economy.
Other propositions:
Proposition 114 - Crime Victims, approved
Proposition 115 - Judicial Rules, rejected
Proposition 119 - Trust Lands, approved
Proposition 120 - Public Lands, rejected
