This bill proposes updates to the nomination petition requirements for candidates seeking the office of justice of the peace or constable in Arizona. Under the current law, candidates in counties with a population of fewer than 1,000,000 must gather at least one percent of qualified signers in their precinct. The bill introduces a new provision that allows these candidates to alternatively meet a threshold of 300 signatures, whichever is less. Additionally, it clarifies that candidates in counties with a population of one million or more must still adhere to the existing requirement of one percent to ten percent of qualified signers.

The bill also mandates that the filing officer for county offices in smaller counties must publicize these revised signature requirements and notify all relevant candidates and individuals who have requested candidate information packets for the upcoming election cycle. This ensures that all potential candidates are aware of the new requirements and can prepare accordingly. The bill makes conforming changes to existing statutes and becomes effective on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-322
House Engrossed Version: 16-322
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-322
Chaptered Version: 16-322