NE Valley Times

Maricopa County is preparing for the upcoming primary election on July 30 by opening 224 voting centers through a phased approach starting July 3. This method aims to enhance the reliability of in-person voting and expand voter access. Voters can find their nearest polling location, along with wait times and hours, using an interactive map at Locations.Maricopa.Vote.

Key dates leading up to the election include the mailing of Candidate Information Pamphlets this week, a voter registration deadline on July 1, and the last day to request an early ballot on July 19. The final day to mail back ballots is July 23.

In other developments, Scottsdale will launch a new city website on July 1, featuring improvements such as mobile responsiveness, enhanced search functionality, improved accessibility, and action-oriented navigation. These updates aim to provide a more secure platform for users accessing local government services online.

The city is also seeking public feedback on proposed amendments to the Old Town Scottsdale Urban Design & Architectural Guidelines. Open houses for reviewing these guidelines are scheduled for July 10 and July 11 at the Community Design Studio.

Public meetings in Scottsdale this week include City Council sessions on June 25 and June 26. Additional meetings are planned for early July.

Residents can participate in various activities during the final week of June Days celebrations. Events include wine tastings, art exhibits, crafting workshops, live performances, and family outings. Notable events are "Scottsdale Stories & Sweets" on June 25 and "Breakfast at the Market" on June 29.

For those interested in music performances or educational activities for children, Scottsdale libraries offer diverse musical acts throughout summer. The Children's Learning and Play Festival will take place at WestWorld on June 29.

As Independence Day approaches, several facilities will close or adjust operations. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve will close at noon on July 4 due to wildfire risks but will reopen early morning on July 5. Fireworks use remains restricted near sensitive desert areas despite state laws permitting some consumer fireworks.

The Fourth of July Celebration at WestWorld promises entertainment from live shows to family-friendly contests culminating in one of Arizona's largest fireworks displays.

Transportation updates include monitoring traffic conditions following recent bike lane projects along with future sidewalk improvements scheduled for spring 2025 along parts of 68th Street.