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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
secretary of state; recusal
Purpose
Prohibits the Secretary of State (SOS) from taking action in the portion of an election in which the SOS is a candidate and requires the SOS to announce the person in the SOS's Office who will perform the duties concerning the portions of an election in which the SOS is recused.
Background
The SOS is the chief election officer of the state and must create an instructions procedures manual (EPM) on the procedures for voting and ballot processing (A.R.S. §§ 16-142 and 16-452). The SOS must provide for the oversight and administration of secure and accurate elections. The SOS's Office certifies: 1) voting devices; 2) election results; 3) candidates; 4) measures to the ballot; and 5) the results of an election (AZSOS). The SOS must certify, to the Governor, the names of the individuals who receive the highest number of votes for an office at an election (A.R.S. § 41-121). In the absence of the SOS, the SOS must appoint an assistant SOS who must perform the duties of the SOS (A.R.S. § 41-122).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits the SOS from taking action in the portion of an election in which the SOS is a candidate.
2. Requires the SOS to announce the person in the SOS's Office who will perform the duties concerning the portions of an election in which the SOS is recused.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
MOE 1/25/23 DP 7-3-0-0
3rd Read 2/21/23 31-29-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 1, 2023
AN/CS/slp