ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HB 2538: U.S. House vacancy; special election
PRIME SPONSOR: Representative Coleman, LD 16 BILL STATUS: Caucus & COW GOV: DPA 8-0-0-0

Abstract

Relating to a special election to fill a U.S. House vacancy.

Provisions

1. Requires a special primary election to fill a vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives to be held 95-105 120-133 days, rather than 80-90 days, after the vacancy occurs. (Sec. 1)

2. REQUIRES THE SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTION TO FILL A U.S. HOUSE VACANCY TO BE HELD 70-80 DAYS, RATHER THAN 50-60 DAYS AFTER THE SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION. (GOV)

3. Requires the clerk of the BOS of each county participating in a special election to post a notice stating the dates of the special primary and general election, rather than publish a copy of the Governor's election proclamation in an official newspaper of the county. (Sec. 2)

4. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1, 2)

Current Law

The Governor is required to call a special primary and general election if a vacancy occurs in the U.S. House of Representatives and the next general election will not be held within 6 months.  The Governor must call the election within 72 hours after the office is officially declared vacant.  Within 10 days of the vacancy occurring, the Governor must issue a proclamation containing a statement of the time and offices to be filled in the election.  The special primary must be held 80-90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy and the general must be held 50-60 days after the primary.  Nomination papers and petitions must be filed within 30 days of the Governor's proclamation of the election (A.R.S. §§ 16-222 & 16-223). 

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Fifty-third Legislature                  HB 2538

Second Regular Session                               Version 2: Caucus & COW

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