If enacted, this bill would amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to the conduct of elections. The current law requires that when there are two or more candidates for a nomination, their names must be alternated on the ballots to ensure each candidate appears an equal number of times in various positions. The bill removes the provision that allows for alphabetical ordering of candidates when the number of candidates is equal to or fewer than the number of positions available. It also specifies that this rotation requirement applies to all candidates of the same political party and establishes that, starting in 2027, political parties must also be listed in a manner that ensures equal representation across the ballot.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the arrangement of party names on the ballot, mandating that they be alternated substantially equally in various positions, beginning in 2027. It also makes technical changes to the language regarding the use of voting machines and clarifies the formatting of the measure number on the ballot. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the fairness and visibility of candidates and parties on election ballots while eliminating provisions that allow for alphabetical ordering under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-464, 16-465, 16-468, 16-502
House Engrossed Version: 16-464, 16-465, 16-468, 16-502