Fewer voters in Arizona election, but latest cost $1M more

PHOENIX (AP) -- Arizona's most populous county opened twice as many polling spots for a special election this week compared to the March presidential primary, which was marred by long waits.

But it cost about $1 million more this go-round, and election officials knew far fewer voters would turn out.

Officials contend they needed to rebuild lost confidence after some people waited as long as five hours to vote in March.

Less than half the number of voters who showed up in March turned out Tuesday. The statewide special election included measures to boost education funding and to reform public safety officials' pension plans.

Voters approved the pension plan. The education measure remained too close to call Thursday, with about 100,000 ballots left to count. A near-final tally isn't expected until Friday.