If enacted, this bill would amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to the conduct of elections, specifically regarding the rotation of political party candidates on ballots. Currently, when there are two or more candidates for a nomination, their names must be alternated on the ballots, but if the number of candidates is equal to or fewer than the number of offices to be filled, the names are placed in alphabetical order. The bill would remove this alphabetical ordering requirement and instead mandate that beginning in 2027, the names of political parties on the ballot be alternated so that each party appears at the top, bottom, and intermediate positions a substantially equal number of times.

Additionally, the bill would make technical changes to existing language and clarify that the rotation requirement applies to all candidates, regardless of the number of candidates seeking office. It would also specify that through 2026, the arrangement of party names on the ballot would continue to be based on the number of votes cast for governor in the most recent election, after which the new alternating requirement would take effect. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the fairness and visibility of candidates on ballots in Arizona elections.

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