Wichita voters overwhelmingly rejected a 1% sales tax increase in the city, with 41,097 citizens voting against the proposed increase and 9,143 voting in favor, according to unofficial election results.

Turnout for the March 3 election was nearly 20%, compared to the typical 7% to 12% in special elections. In November, fewer than 39,000 people voted in the city and school elections, compared to 50,334 voters in this special election. 

The results will not be official until the election canvass is finished on March 10. 

The current sales tax rate in Kansas is 6.5%, and Sedgwick County has an additional 1%, while the city of Wichita has no sales tax. 

The sales tax would have raised funds for four proposed areas and provided property tax relief. The areas that would have received funding include public safety, homeless and housing services, Century II and convention center improvements and downtown public performing arts center construction.