ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HB 2604: consolidated elections; voter turnout
PRIME SPONSOR: Representative Mesnard, LD 17 BILL STATUS: Caucus & COW GOV: DPA 5-2-0-1

Abstract

Relating to voter turnout on consolidated and nonconsolidated election dates.

Provisions

1. Requires cities, charter cities, towns and political subdivisions to comply with consolidated election date requirements and hold all its elections in the next even-numbered year if, beginning in 2019:

a. At a primary, first, general or runoff election for candidates held in an odd-numbered year, other than a special or recall election, the percentage of eligible voters who voted is less than 75% of the lesser of the statewide average of the percentage of eligible voters who voted in the primary, first, general or runoff election held in:

i. The immediately preceding even-numbered year for all cities, charter cities and towns; or

ii. The even-numbered year that is three years immediately preceding the election for all cities, charter cities and towns.

b. For political subdivisions other than cities, charter cities and towns, for candidates or other ballot measures in an odd-numbered year, the percentage of eligible voters who voted is less than 75% of the lesser of the statewide average of the percentage of eligible voters who voted in:

i. The immediately preceding even-numbered year for all political subdivisions; or

ii. The even-numbered year that is three years immediately preceding the election for all political subdivisions. (Sec. 1)

2. Asserts that the requirements apply regardless of how the city, charter city or town designates the election. (Sec. 1)

3. Contains legislative findings provisions. (Sec. 1)

4. Specifies that these requirements preempt all local laws, ordinances and charter provisions to the contrary. (Sec. 1)

5. Requires the SOS to determine the following information and provide it to the public:

a. Calculate the statewide average of eligible voters who voted in specified elections;

b. REVIEW THE LEVEL OF VOTER PARTICIPATION IN OTHER STATES;

c. ISSUE FINDINGS REGARDING METHODS USED IN OTHER STATES TO INCREASE VOTER PARTICIPATION;

d. ISSUE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEASURES TO INCREASE VOTER PARTICIPATION IN THIS STATE; AND

e. CALCULATE THE LEVEL OF VOTER PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS CANDIDATE RACES LOCATED LOWER ON THE BALLOT AS COMPARED TO THOSE LISTED ON HIGHEST ON THE BALLOT. (Sec. 1) (GOV)

6. EXEMPTS MUNICIPALITIES FROM CONSOLIDATED ELECTION REQUIREMENTS IF THE SOS DETERMINES THAT CANDIDATE RACES FOR THOSE CITY, CHARTER CITY AND TOWN OFFICES HAVE A REDUCED LEVEL OF VOTER PARTICIPATION DURING EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS. (GOV)

7. Defines political subdivision. (Sec. 1)

Current Law

Elections held by political subdivisions are only permitted to be held on certain dates in even-numbered years.  For candidate elections, the election must occur on either the 10^th Tuesday before the 1^st Tuesday after the 1^st Monday in November or the 1^st Tuesday after the 1^st Monday in November.  If the political subdivision holds a primary, first or preliminary election, it must be held on the first date.  The second election, including general and runoff elections, or any single election must be held on the second date.

Noncandidate political subdivision elections must be held on the two candidate election dates, the 2^nd Tuesday in March or the 3^rd Tuesday in May (A.R.S. § 16-204).

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Fifty-third Legislature                  HB 2604

Second Regular Session                               Version 2: Caucus & COW

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