If enacted, this bill would amend section 9-821.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to require that any election contest must be resolved before a candidate who receives a majority of votes in a primary election is declared elected to a new term in the office of mayor or city council, specifically when the office is currently held by an appointee. The current law allows for a candidate to be declared elected effective after the canvass and certification of primary election results, but the bill adds the stipulation that the resolution of any election contest must occur first.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the existing language, including the deletion of certain phrases and the insertion of clarifying terms. For instance, it modifies the language regarding the effective date of the new term and the conditions under which candidates may be seated to complete the remainder of an existing term. Overall, these updates aim to clarify the process surrounding election contests and the declaration of elected officials in municipal elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-821.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-821.01