Assigned to ELEC FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.C.R. 1043
cities; towns; elections
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, constitutionally determines that, for a city or town that provides
for election of city or town council members by district, ward, precinct or other geographic
designation, only voters who are qualified electors of the district, ward, precinct or other
geographic designation are eligible to vote for that council member candidate in the city's or town's
primary, general, runoff or other election.
Background
For all public elections in Arizona, the person, or persons, receiving the highest number of
legal votes must be declared elected (Ariz. Const. art. 7 § 7). For any city or town that provides
for election of city or town council members by district, ward, precinct or other geographical
designation, only voters who are qualified electors of the district, ward, precinct or other
geographic designation are eligible to vote for that council member candidate in the city or town's
primary, general, runoff or other election (A.R.S. § 9-821.01).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Determines that, for a city or town that provides for election of city or town council members
by district, ward, precinct or other geographic designation, only voters who are qualified
electors of the district, ward, precinct or other geographic designation are eligible to vote for
that council member candidate in the city's or town's primary, general, runoff or other election.
2. Prohibits a city or town election from allowing the ranking of candidates in any manner other
than with a single vote for one candidate for each office to be filled.
3. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general
election.
4. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 7, 2024
AN/cs