This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding the nomination petition process for candidates in Arizona. Specifically, it introduces a secure online system for qualified electors to sign nomination petitions for candidates of local governing boards, including school districts, community colleges, hospital districts, and multi-county water conservation districts. The bill mandates that the online signature collection system must verify the identity of qualified electors and ensure that only those eligible to sign a petition for a specific candidate can do so. Additionally, candidates may choose to collect all their nomination signatures through this online system.

Furthermore, the bill classifies all candidates seeking non-judicial office as political party candidates, regardless of their party affiliation or nomination method. It ensures equal access to the online signature collection system for all candidates and prohibits the Secretary of State from restricting access based on political party affiliation or other factors. The Secretary of State is required to apply rules uniformly to all candidates and cannot adopt policies that conflict with or narrow the application of this new section.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-319.01, 16-319.02