NEWS RELEASE Town of Florence
When the Florence Town Council approved the annexations for Magic Ranch, Crestfield Manor, Wildhorse Estates and surrounding areas on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, it was expected that the residents living in these areas would vote in the November 4th Town of Florence election, which includes the election of two seats on the Florence Town Council.
However, before the annexation was finalized on October 3, 2014, the Town of Florence received notices that challenged the annexations. State Statute clearly defines the need for the Town of Florence to delay the annexations when a challenge is received. Because of the delay, the residents living in the annexed areas will not be Florence residents at the time of the election and cannot vote in the Town of Florence election.
Town of Florence Deputy Town Manager and Town Clerk Lisa Garcia stated, “Staff fully expected the annexations would become effective on October 3, 2014, prior to the close of voter registration. But, because the annexations were challenged, people in the proposed annexation boundaries are not eligible to vote in the Town’s election.”
Ms. Garcia went on to say, “Once the courts make a decision, the effective date of the annexation will be determined. At that time, our new residents will have many exciting ways to become involved in Florence.”
Pinal County Recorder Virginia Ross clarified that the challenges to the annexations only negates the ability of residents in these areas to vote in the Town of Florence election. Residents in these areas will still vote in county, state and federal elections.
“The Recorder’s Office awaits the courts’ ruling on the effective date of the annexations. Until then, voters will remain in their current voting districts for all other elections.”
For more information about the November 4th election, please contact the Pinal County Elections Department at (520) 866-6830 or Recorder@pinalcountyaz.gov.
