Paid for by StopTheJailTax PAC. Phone 928-275-1460.Take action on Proposition 497

Proposition 497 is a countywide measure on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. Stop Prop 497 opposes the proposed Jail District tax increase. We encourage residents to review the proposal, understand the County’s stated financial estimates, and make an informed decision.

Understand the proposal before you vote

  • The proposal would add one-quarter cent ($0.0025) per dollar to the existing Jail District excise tax on taxable purchases.
  • The Jail District tax component would rise from ¼ cent to ½ cent per dollar.
  • If approved, the increase would begin July 1, 2027, and continue for 20 years.
  • The County’s ballot description estimates future annual revenue needs at $41.44 million and identifies $8.88 million in required General Fund maintenance-of-effort support plus another $16.15 million in General Fund support.

These are figures published by the County. The ballot description does not provide a detailed year-by-year forecast for the full 20-year period. Review the financial questions and historical figures on this website before drawing conclusions.

Voting dates and practical information

  • Early voting: Began October 7, 2026.
  • Request a ballot by mail: Deadline is October 23, 2026.
  • Suggested mail-back date: October 27, 2026. The County says mailed ballots should be sent at least 10 days before Election Day.
  • Early in-person voting ends: October 30, 2026.
  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The County says early ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. that day; a postmark does not count.

Yavapai County lists early in-person voting locations in Prescott at 1015 Fair Street, in Prescott Valley at 3001 Main Street, Suite 1E/1F, and in Cottonwood at 10 South 6th Street. Hours differ by location; proper identification is required. See the Voting Information page on this site for the summarized locations and hours, and confirm current details with County Elections before travelling.

How to participate constructively

  • Read the ballot summary and compare the County’s future estimates with the historical financial report summarized on this website.
  • Ask elected officials for the assumptions behind the $41.44 million annual estimate, a detailed forecast, and an explanation of alternatives considered.
  • Discuss the measure respectfully and distinguish official facts from campaign opinions.
  • Share the on-page summaries with neighbors who want to understand the proposal without navigating multiple source documents.
  • Check your ballot and follow the current County voting and ballot-return instructions.

Official source documents

Where to read more on this site

Proposition 497 — What the measure proposes →

Facts & Documents — Financial figures and unanswered questions →

Voting Information — Dates, locations, and ballot return →

Why Stop Prop 497 — Our concerns and analysis →

Election information reviewed October 9, 2026. Voting locations, hours, deadlines, and procedures may change; the latest official County instructions control.

Scroll to Top