The Arizona Revised Statutes have been updated to include the revised sections from the 56th Legislature, 1st Regular Session. Please note that the next update of this compilation will not take place until after the conclusion of the 56th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session, which convenes in January 2024.
DISCLAIMER
This online version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is primarily maintained for legislative drafting purposes and reflects the version of law that is effective on January 1st of the year following the most recent legislative session. The official version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is published by Thomson Reuters.
A. The people of Arizona declare our intent to create a clean elections system that will improve the integrity of Arizona state government by diminishing the influence of special-interest money, will encourage citizen participation in the political process, and will promote freedom of speech under the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions. Campaigns will become more issue-oriented and less negative because there will be no need to challenge the sources of campaign money.
B. The people of Arizona find that our current election-financing system:
1. Allows Arizona elected officials to accept large campaign contributions from private interests over which they have governmental jurisdiction;
2. Gives incumbents an unhealthy advantage over challengers;
3. Hinders communication to voters by many qualified candidates;
4. Effectively suppresses the voices and influence of the vast majority of Arizona citizens in favor of a small number of wealthy special interests;
5. Undermines public confidence in the integrity of public officials;
6. Costs average taxpayers millions of dollars in the form of subsidies and special privileges for campaign contributors;
7. Drives up the cost of running for state office, discouraging otherwise qualified candidates who lack personal wealth or access to special-interest funding; and
8. Requires that elected officials spend too much of their time raising funds rather than representing the public.