City of Tucson Proposition 421 — Tucson Electric Power Company Franchise (Pima County)

What it does

GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES WITHIN THE CITY OF TUCSON FOR WHICH THE CITY OF TUCSON WILL RECEIVE A FRANCHISE FEE AND OTHER CONSIDERATION. A “YES” vote shall have the effect of granting a franchise for electric transmission and distribution services to Tucson Electric Power Company. A “NO” vote shall have the effect of denying a franchise for electric transmission and distribution services to Tucson Electric Power Company.

A YES vote means

Tucson Electric Power Company would be granted a franchise for electric transmission and distribution services in Tucson, with the city receiving a franchise fee and other consideration.

A NO vote means

The franchise for electric transmission and distribution services would not be granted to Tucson Electric Power Company.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

According to the City of Tucson's official voter information pamphlet, Proposition 421 asks voters to approve a franchise agreement (Exhibit 1 to Ordinance No. 12239) letting Tucson Electric Power use city rights-of-way for electric transmission and distribution for 25 years. It would replace the franchise dated July 10, 2000.

The agreement sets a franchise fee of 2.25% of TEP's applicable revenues and lets the council use one-ninth of those payments for purposes including low-income energy assistance.

The agreement ties the franchise to a separate Energy Collaboration Agreement, under which TEP would provide grant funding, not recovered through electric rates, to support the city's climate action plan. Ending that agreement would count as notice of termination of the franchise.

The pamphlet includes arguments both for and against Proposition 421.

Put on the ballot by Tucson Mayor and Council, Ordinance No. 12239 (adoption date and tally not stated in the city pamphlet).

From official source.

Also on Pima County ballots

• City of Tucson Proposition 422 — Reauthorizing the 0.1% Sales Tax for the Gene Reid Park Zoo (Charter Amendment)
• Town of Oro Valley Proposition 431 — OV's Path Forward General Plan

All Pima County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on City of Tucson Proposition 421 mean?

Tucson Electric Power Company would be granted a franchise for electric transmission and distribution services in Tucson, with the city receiving a franchise fee and other consideration.

What does a NO vote on City of Tucson Proposition 421 mean?

The franchise for electric transmission and distribution services would not be granted to Tucson Electric Power Company.

How many votes does City of Tucson Proposition 421 need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on City of Tucson Proposition 421?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.