Starting with the July 21 primary election, all registered voters in Patagonia can vote in one polling place: Cady Hall. There will be a single ballot that adds the Town of Patagonia ballot issues to the Santa Cruz County ballot. 

“The change from two ballots and two polling places should make voting more convenient for Patagonia residents,” says Town Manager Ron Robinson.

In 2024, there were 646 registered voters in Patagonia. In that year’s primary election, 260 votes were cast at the county polling place and only 74 were cast at the town polling place. So, another likely benefit is an increased number of Patagonia voters voting on Patagonia matters. 

The ballot change required an intergovernmental agreement between the Patagonia and Santa Cruz County. The agreement remains in effect for two years and then must be readopted to maintain the combined ballot. 

An additional requirement of the agreement is the town must prepare and mail a voter guide to all registered Patagonia voters that describes the Patagonia candidates and measures on the upcoming ballot. 

For the July primary election, the voter guide will be mailed in June. 

There will be three Patagonia items on the July 21 primary ballot. Voters must weigh in on the mayor’s race, one open Town Council seat and Proposition 416. Mayor Andy Wood is running unopposed for another term and Caleb Weaver is running unopposed for an open seat on the council.  

Proposition 416 would allow the town to expend the revenue it has collected to support the town budget. The alternative expenditure limitation (or the “Home Rule Option”) was last adopted in 2022 and must be on the ballot every four years to continue its use. If Proposition 416 fails, the town would return to the state-imposed limitation of expenditures, which, in the 2027-28 budget year, is approximately $3,707,700. 

If Proposition 416 passes, the town will have the authority to expend an estimated $5,511,500 to support the town budget. 

“Adopting the Home Rule Option is essential for the town to continue providing necessary services to the residents of Patagonia,” Robinson said.

For Santa Cruz County voters, the county recorder has listed the important dates for the July 21 primary election (see below). For more information, visit the recorder’s website at santacruzcountyaz.gov/287/Recorder or call 520-375-7990. 

Important dates for July 21 Primary Election

• Last day to register to vote: June 22

• Early ballots are mailed: June 24 

• Last day to request a mail ballot: July 10

• Deadline to mail back your ballot: July 14

• Last day to vote early in person: July 17 by 7 p.m.

• Election Day (drop off your early ballot by 7 p.m.): July 21