Initiative and Referendum Measures Explained
Arizona’s Constitution puts legislative power not only in a House of Representatives and Senate, but in the people themselves.
Initiative
Arizona voters have the ability to propose laws or constitutional amendments, or changes to laws or the Constitution, through the initiative process. To propose such changes, the proponents must file an application with the Secretary of State, including a summary of the measure and the complete text that will be submitted to a vote of the people. If sufficient signatures are gathered, the proposition will be placed on the General Election ballot.
Referendum
Not only do Arizona voters have the ability to propose laws, they may also veto laws passed by the Legislature by circulating a petition against a measure. As with initiative measures, the proponents must file an application with the Secretary of State, including a summary of the proposal and the text of the measure sought to be vetoed by a vote of the people. If sufficient signatures are gathered, the proposition will be placed on the General Election ballot.
NUMBERING OF BALLOT MEASURES
State law requires that ballot measures be numbered according to four criteria:
100
Constitutional amendments, whether initiated by the people or referred by the Legislature, are numbered in the 100s.
200
Citizen initiatives to create new or amend current statutes are numbered in the 200s.
300
Legislative referrals to create new or amend current statutes are numbered in the 300s.
400
Local matters are numbered in the 400s.