The proposed bill, HB2474, introduces significant changes to the process of recognizing new political parties in Arizona. It establishes that any signature sheet for a new party petition that includes signatures collected more than 24 months prior to the primary election is considered null and void. The filing officer is required to remove such voided signature sheets from the petition and is prohibited from accepting them for filing. This amendment aims to ensure that the signatures collected are recent and relevant to the current electoral context.
Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for political party petition circulators to register with the Secretary of State and eliminates the stipulation that new political party petition requirements be strictly construed. The bill also clarifies that only the signature sheet is voided, rather than the entire petition, and mandates that the filing officer must remove any voided signature sheets from the petition. This act is classified as an emergency measure, allowing it to take effect immediately upon the Governor's signature.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 16-803, 16-803.01, 16-803.02
House Engrossed Version: 16-803, 16-803.01, 16-803.02
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-803
Chaptered Version: 16-803