The May 17 special election is right around the corner, with all registered Arizona voters having the opportunity to chime in on both Proposition 123 (relating to education finance) and Proposition 124 (relating to public retirement systems).

Prop 123

Relating to education finance, Proposition 123 would increase annual distributions from the State Land Trust Permanent Endowment Fund, moving from 2.5 percent to 6.9 percent in order to benefit Arizona schools K-12, colleges and “other beneficiary institutions,” according to the ballot language.

A yes vote would see the above adjustment made, including a $259,266,200 distribution in fiscal year 2016.

This proposition is the subject of much debate. About 25 pages of arguments for and another roughly 25 pages of arguments against Proposition 123 can be perused at azsos.gov.

Those in support of the proposition see it as a way to get more money into the pockets of Arizona schools and educators without raising taxes, while those against tend to see it as a quick fix that will both cap future education funding and have a negative impact on the future of state trust land.

Prop 124

As for Prop 124, this measure would allow the state to adjust certain benefits in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System in order to “alleviate system underfunding, including the replacement of the current permanent benefit increase structure,” according to ballot language. This would include a cost of living adjustment that is indexed for inflation and capped at 2 percent per year.

A yes vote would allow the state to make the adjustments listed above.

Statements in support of Prop 124 (listed in full at azsos.gov) include individuals and organizations claiming this might be a sound way to sustain the public pension system for Arizona police officers and fire fighters while simultaneously protecting taxpayers. There were no arguments against this measure.

Voting

Early voting runs through May 13 and can be carried out at three Valley locations.

The first is 510 S. 3rd Ave. in Phoenix. The second is 111 S. 3rd Ave. in Phoenix. Third is 222 E. Javelina Ave. in Mesa. All sites are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The last day to request an early ballot is May 6, with a mail-in date set for May 11.

On election day, May 17, voters may once again cast their vote at any polling place around the state. Two sites will be available locally, including the Fountain Hills Community Center at 13001 N. La Montana Dr., and the Fort McDowell Indian Community Recreation Center located at 16402 N. Fort McDowell Rd.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. So long as you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to cast your vote.