Arizona State Senate
Arizona State Senate | |
General Information | |
Party control: | Republican |
Session start: | January 13, 2025 |
Session end: | April 26, 2025 |
Term length: | 2 years |
Term limits: | 4 terms (8 years) |
Redistricting: | Commission |
Salary: | $24,000/year + per diem |
Members | |
Total: | 30 |
Democrats: | 12 |
Republicans: | 17 |
Other: | 0 |
Vacancies: | 1 |
Leadership | |
President: | Warren Petersen (R) |
Maj. Leader: | Janae Shamp (R) |
Min. Leader: | Priya Sundareshan (D) |
Elections | |
Last election: | November 5, 2024 |
Next election: | November 3, 2026 |
The Arizona State Senate is the upper chamber of the Arizona State Legislature. Alongside the Arizona House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Arizona state government and works alongside the governor of Arizona to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Arizona State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
The Arizona State Senate meets in the state capitol complex in Phoenix, Arizona.
Arizona has a divided government where neither party holds a trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor, while the Republican Party controls both chambers of the state legislature. |
This page contains the following information on the Arizona State Senate.
- Which party controls the chamber
- The chamber's current membership
- Partisan control of the chamber over time
- Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
- A district map
- How redistricting works in the state
- Legislation currently under consideration
- Legislative session dates
- Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
- A list of committees
Party control
Current partisan control
The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Arizona State Senate as of March 2025:
Party | As of March 2025 | |
---|---|---|
Democratic Party | 12 | |
Republican Party | 17 | |
Other | 0 | |
Vacancies | 1 | |
Total | 30 |
Members
Leadership
The president of the Senate serves as presiding officer and is chosen from the Senate membership.[1]
Leadership and members
- Senate president: Warren Petersen (R)
- Majority leader: Janae Shamp (R)
- Minority leader: Priya Sundareshan (D)
Salaries
- See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislative salaries, 2024[2] | |
---|---|
Salary | Per diem |
$24,000/year | For legislators residing within Maricopa County: $35/day. For legislators residing outside of Maricopa County: $251.66. |
Swearing in dates
Arizona legislators assume office on the first day of the session after they are elected. Each regular session begins on the second Monday in January.[3]
Membership qualifications
Article 4, Part 2, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution states: "No person shall be a member of the Legislature unless he shall be a citizen of the United States at the time of his election, nor unless he shall be at least twenty-five years of age, and shall have been a resident of Arizona at least three years and of the county from which he is elected at least one year before his election."[4]
Historical party control
Republicans won control of the Arizona State Senate in 2002. In 2024, they won a 17-13 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Arizona Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Arizona State Senate election results: 1992-2022
Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 | '24 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democrats | 12 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15* | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
Republicans | 18 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 15* | 17 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 |
Before 1992
Arizona achieved statehood in 1912. From 1912 to 1966, Democrats controlled the state Senate after nearly every election. Starting in 1966, Republicans began winning narrow majorities in the chamber, with Democrats winning control in three elections: 1974, 1976, and 1990.
Trifecta history
A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Arizona was under the following types of trifecta control:
- Democratic trifecta: None
- Republican trifecta: 1993-2000, 2009-2022
- Divided government: 1992, 2001-2008, 2023
Arizona Party Control: 1992-2025
No Democratic trifectas • Twenty-two years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
Year | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Governor | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D |
Senate | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | S | S | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
House | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
Elections
Elections by year
Arizona state senators serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Arizona holds elections for its legislature in even years.
2026
- See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2026
Elections for the Arizona State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.
2024
- See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2024
Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was July 30, 2024. The filing deadline was April 1, 2024.
In the 2024 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Arizona State Senate by one seat, shifting the balance from 16-14 to 17-13.
Arizona State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 5, 2024 | After November 6, 2024 | |
Democratic Party | 14 | 13 | |
Republican Party | 16 | 17 | |
Total | 30 | 30 |
2022
- See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2022
Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 2, 2022. The filing deadline was April 4, 2022.
In the 2022 elections, Republicans maintained their 16-14 majority
Arizona State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 8, 2022 | After November 9, 2022 | |
Democratic Party | 14 | 14 | |
Republican Party | 16 | 16 | |
Total | 30 | 30 |
2020
- See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2020
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 4, 2020. The filing deadline was April 6, 2020.
Heading into the election, Republicans held a 17-13 majority. Republicans lost one seat in the election, giving them a 16-14 majority.
Arizona State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 3, 2020 | After November 4, 2020 | |
Democratic Party | 13 | 14 | |
Republican Party | 17 | 16 | |
Total | 40 | 40 |
2018
- See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2018
Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2018. A hybrid primary election took place on August 28, 2018.[5] The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to appear on the primary ballot was May 30, 2018. The filing deadline for write-in primary candidates was July 19, 2018. The filing deadline for write-in general election candidates was September 27, 2018.[6]
In the 2018 elections, there was no changed in the partisan balance of the Arizona State Senate.
Arizona State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 6, 2018 | After November 7, 2018 | |
Democratic Party | 13 | 13 | |
Republican Party | 17 | 17 | |
Total | 30 | 30 |
2016
- See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2016
Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 30, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016. All 30 seats in the Arizona State Senate were up for election in 2016.
Heading into the election, Republicans held an 18-12 majority. Republicans lost one seat in the election, giving them a 17-13 majority.
Arizona State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 7, 2016 | After November 8, 2016 | |
Democratic Party | 12 | 13 | |
Republican Party | 18 | 17 | |
Total | 30 | 30 |
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2014
Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 26, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 28, 2014. All 30 Senate seats were up for election in 2014. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 17-13 majority. No changed occurred in the partisan balance.
2012
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 28, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was May 30, 2012. All 30 Senate seats were up for election in 2012. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 21-9 majority. Republicans lost four seats in the election, giving them a 17-13 majority.
The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.
2010
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 24, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was May 26, 2010. All 30 Senate seats were up for election in 2010. Heading into the election, Republicans held an 18-12 majority. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 21-9 majority.
In 2010, candidates running for the state senate received a total of $2,954,711 in campaign contributions. Their top contributors were:[7]
2008
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 2, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $3,185,493. The top 10 contributors were:[8]
2006
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,571,504. The top 10 contributors were:[9]
2004
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 7, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,274,490. The top 10 contributors were:[10]
2002
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 10, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,149,412. The top 10 contributors were:[11]
2000
Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,127,230. The top 10 contributors were:[12]
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Term limits
- See also: State legislatures with term limits
The Arizona legislature is one of 16 state legislatures with term limits. Voters enacted the Arizona Term Limits Act in 1992. That initiative said that Arizona senators are subject to term limits of no more than four two-year terms, or a total of eight years.
The first year that the term limits enacted in 1992 impacted the ability of incumbents to run for office was 2000.[13]
Vacancies
If there is a vacancy in the Arizona State Legislature, the board of county supervisors must select a replacement. The secretary of state is required to contact the state party chairperson to give notice of the vacancy. The state chairperson must give notice of a meeting to fill the seat within three business days of receiving notice.[14] The political party committee is involved in the appointment process only if the legislative district has thirty or more elected precinct committeemen.[14]
If the legislative district has 30 or more elected precinct committeemen:
- The precinct committeemen must nominate three qualified electors as replacements. If the Legislature is in session, this must occur within five days. If the Legislature is out of session, the committeemen have 21 days to nominate potential replacements. Each elector must receive a majority of the committeemen's vote to earn a nomination. The chair then forwards the three nominees to the board of supervisors. The board of supervisors appoints a nominee from the three names. If the committeemen do not submit a list of names within the allotted timeframe, the board of supervisors proceeds with the vacancy as if the district had fewer than 30 elected precinct committeemen.[14]
If the legislative district has fewer than 30 elected precinct committeemen:
- The board of supervisors appoints a panel of citizen supervisors within seven business days of a vacancy occurring. The citizen panel must submit the name of three qualified electors of the same political party as the previous incumbent to the board of supervisors. If the Legislature is in session, this must occur within five days. If the Legislature is out of session, the committeemen have 21 days to nominate potential replacements. The board of supervisors must select a replacement by a majority vote.[15]
- The person selected to fill the seat serves the remainder of the unfilled term.[15]
See sources: Arizona Rev. Stat. Ann. §41-1202
District map
- See also: Arizona state legislative districts
The state of Arizona has 30 legislative districts. Senators are elected from the same legislative districts as are members of the Arizona House of Representatives. Each district elects two representatives but only one senator.
Use the interactive map below to find your district.
Redistricting
- See also: Redistricting in Arizona
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district lines. The commission is composed of five members. Of these, four are selected by the majority and minority leaders of each chamber of the state legislature from a list of 25 candidates nominated by the state commission on appellate court appointments. These 25 nominees comprise 10 Democrats, 10 Republicans, and 5 unaffiliated citizens. The four commission members appointed by legislative leaders then select the fifth member to round out the commission. The fifth member of the commission must belong to a different political party than the other commissioners. The governor, with a two-thirds vote in the Arizona State Senate, may remove a commissioner "for substantial neglect of duty, gross misconduct in office, or inability to discharge the duties of office." The Arizona State Legislature may make recommendations to the commission, but ultimate authority is vested with the commission.[16][17][18]
The Arizona Constitution requires that both congressional and state legislative districts be "contiguous, geographically compact, and respect communities of interest–all to the extent practicable." The state constitution further mandates that district lines "should [follow] visible geographic features, city, town, and county boundaries, and undivided census tracts." In addition, the constitution requires that "competitive districts be favored where doing so would not significantly detract from the goals above."[18]
2020
On January 24, 2022, Arizona enacted new legislative maps after the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission transmitted its finalized plans to the secretary of state.[19] The commission initially voted to finalize and certify the legislative map plan on Jan. 21.[20] The commission's nonpartisan chairwoman, Erika Neuberg, joined the two Republican members—David Mehl and Douglas York—voting in favor of the map. The commission's two Democratic members—Shereen Lerner and Derrick Watchman—were opposed.[21] This map took effect for Arizona's 2022 legislative elections.
The commission previously voted in favor of the legislative map by a 3-2 vote on December 22, 2021, which was followed by a period for counties to request administrative changes before the final vote on Jan. 21.[22]
District map after 2020 redistricting
Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.
Arizona State Senate Districts
until January 8, 2023
Click a district to compare boundaries.
Arizona State Senate Districts
starting January 9, 2023
Click a district to compare boundaries.
2010
The draft state legislative map was passed on October 10, 2011, with a vote of 4-1.[23] The Independent Redistricting Commission met on January 13, 2012, to discuss minor technical changes to the state legislative and congressional maps, and the final maps were approved and sent to the Department of Justice on January 17, 2012.[24][25] The Department of Justice signed off on the new maps on April 26, 2012.[26]
Sessions
Legislation
The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Arizona State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.
Dates of legislative sessions in Arizona by year
2025
In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2025, and adjourn on April 26, 2025.
Click [show] for past years' session dates. | |||
---|---|---|---|
2024In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 8, 2024, and adjourn on June 15, 2024. 2023In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2023, and adjourn on July 31, 2023. 2022In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2022, and adjourn on June 25, 2022. 2021In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2021, and adjourn on June 30, 2021. 2020In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2020, and adjourn on May 26, 2020.
Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Arizona State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 23, 2020, through May 19, 2020, at which time the House reconvened. The suspension had originally been scheduled to last through April 13, 2020. The legislature adjourned on May 26, 2020.[27][28][29][30] 2019In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 14, 2019, through May 28, 2019. 2018In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2018, through May 4, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here. 2017
In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2017, through May 10, 2017. 2016
In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 11 through May 7. 2015
In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 12 to April 2. The legislature convened a special session from October 28 to October 30, to settle a school funding inflation lawsuit. Legislators in the special session passed a $3.5 billion, 10-year deal for school funding.[31] Major issues in 2015Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included a $520 million budget deficit, settling a school funding inflation lawsuit and the state's college, and career ready standards.[32] 2014
In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 13 to April 24. Major issues in 2014Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included student success-based K-12 funding and university funding.[33] The legislature considered and rejected several controversial proposals during the 2014 session.[34] These proposals included a bill that would have allowed religious leaders to decline officiating same-sex weddings and a bill that would have banned cell phone use by teenaged drivers during the first six months of driving with a license.[34] 2013
In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 14 to June 14. Major issues in 2013Losing super-majorities in the House and Senate, Republicans no longer wielded the same level of power and compromises were more likely. Gov. Jan Brewer (R) said her legislative priorities included education standards and simplifying the state's transaction privilege tax.[35] 2012
In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 10 through May 3.[36] 2011
In 2011, the legislature was in regular session from January 10 through April 20.[37] Three special sessions were called in Arizona for 2011. The first special session was convened on January 19, addressing requests for a federal Medicaid exemption. A second special session was called by Governor Jan Brewer (R) on February 14, 2011. The special session ran in tandem with the regular session, and was convened to consider business tax cuts as part of an economic development package proposed to add jobs by encouraging businesses to expand and relocate in Arizona.[38] The third special session was convened on June 10 to extend unemployment benefits. The session lasted two days, and ended on June 13 without a vote on Governor Brewer's proposal. Brewer refused to call another special session until lawmakers support the unemployment extension.[39] Session highlightsIn the 2011 session, Arizona fixed its $1.5 billion shortfall by eliminating $1.1 billion in spending. There were no new taxes instated to help with the reductions, only tax cuts. The legislature sliced the corporate income tax rate from 6.9 percent to 4.9 percent.[40] 2010
In 2010, the legislature was in regular session from January 11th to April 29th. The legislature was convened in special session from February 1 to February 11. |
About legislative sessions in Arizona
The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[41] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.
Article IV of the Arizona Constitution establishes when the Arizona State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part, is to be in session. Section 3 of the Second Part of the Article contains the relevant provisions. It states that sessions are to convene on the second Monday of January of each year.
Section 3 also allows the Governor of Arizona to call special sessions of the Legislature.
Legislative roles and procedures
Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, term limits, procedures for filling membership vacancies, and redistricting.
Veto overrides
- See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures
State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Arizona are listed below.
How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.
Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 40 of the 60 members in the Arizona House of Representatives and 20 of the 30 members in the Arizona State Senate. Arizona is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto. |
Are there other special rules?
If the governor vetoes an emergency measure, three-fourths of the members in both chambers are required to override the veto, which is 45 of the 60 state representatives and 23 of the 30 state senators.[42] |
Authority: Article 5, Section 7 of the Arizona Constitution.
"Every bill passed by the legislature, before it becomes a law, shall be presented to the governor. If he approve, he shall sign it, and it shall become a law as provided in this constitution. But if he disapprove, he shall return it, with his objections, to the house in which it originated, which shall enter the objections at large on the journal. If after reconsideration it again passes both houses by an aye and nay vote on roll call of two-thirds of the members elected to each house, it shall become a law as provided in this constitution, notwithstanding the governor's objections. " |
Role in state budget
- See also: Arizona state budget and finances
Arizona on |
Arizona operates on an annual budget cycle, with each fiscal year beginning on July 1. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[43]
- Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July.
- State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by September 1.
- The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature five days after the legislature convenes. The legislature convenes on the second Monday in January.
- There is no official deadline for passing the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
Arizona is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[43][44]
The governor is required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature but the legislature is not required to pass a balanced budget.[43]
Committees
Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.
- Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
- Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
- Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.
Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Arizona Senate has 14 standing committees:
- Director Nominations
- Ethics Committee
- Finance Committee
- Government Committee
- Natural Resources and Energy Committee
- Senate Appropriations Committee
- Senate Commerce Committee
- Senate Education Committee
- Senate Elections Committee
- Senate Federalism Committee
- Senate Health and Human Services Committee
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Rules Committee
- Transportation and Technology Committee
Constitutional amendments
In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.
The methods in which the Arizona Constitution can be amended:
The Arizona Constitution provides for three methods of amending the Arizona Constitution—a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Arizona requires a simple majority to approve constitutional amendments. Arizona requires a 60% vote to pass ballot measures to approve taxes.
Initiative
- See also: Initiated constitutional amendment
Article 21, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments in Arizona. An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen (18) states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.
In Arizona, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment for the ballot is equal to 15 percent of votes cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. Petitions can be circulated for up to 24 months. Signatures must be submitted four months prior to the election at which the measure is to appear. A simple majority is required for voter approval. Arizona requires a 60% vote to pass ballot measures to approve taxes.
Legislature
According to Article XVI, the state Legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide. A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Arizona State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 31 votes in the Arizona House of Representatives and 16 votes in the Arizona State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Convention
According to Section 2 of Article XXI of the Arizona Constitution, the state legislature can only call for a convention if it is approved by the electorate in a statewide vote. Any amendments, revisions, or proposals of the Constitution require a simple majority vote by the electorate.
2026 measures:
- See also: Arizona 2026 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures have been certified for the ballot.
No measures to list
Potential:
- The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2026.
Arizona Exempt Virtual Currency from Property Taxation Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 18 (60%) | No votes: 10 (33.3%) | Yes: 1; No: 10 | Yes: 17; No: 0 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Modify Early Ballot Deadlines and Prohibit Foreign Contributions in Elections Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 33 (55%) | No votes: 26 (43.3%) | Yes: 0; No: 26 | Yes: 33; No: 0 |
Arizona Prohibit Foreign Contributions for Election Administration and Ballot Measure Campaigns Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Prohibit County Recorder from Establishing Early Voting Locations Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 32 (53.33%) | No votes: 26 (43.33%) | Yes: 0; No: 26 | Yes: 32; No: 0 |
Arizona Prohibit Taxes or Fees on Miles Traveled in Motor Vehicle Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 17 (%) | No votes: 12 (%) | Yes: 0; No: 12 | Yes: 17; No: 0 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for County and Municipality Taxes Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Race and Ethnicity Affirmative Action, Programs, and Requirements Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 33 (55%) | No votes: 27 (45%) | Yes: 0; No: 27 | Yes: 33; No: 0 |
Arizona Appropriation of Noncustodial Federal Funds by the Legislature Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 32 (53.3%) | No votes: 27 (45%) | Yes: 0; No: 27 | Yes: 32; No: 0 |
Arizona Declare Drug Cartels are Terrorist Organizations Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 32 (53.3%) | No votes: 27 (45%) | Yes: 0; No: 27 | Yes: 32; No: 0 |
Arizona Remove Prohibited Weapons Measures | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 32 (53.3%) | No votes: 27 (45%) | Yes: 0; No: 27 | Yes: 32; No: 0 |
Arizona Property Tax Exemptions for Combat Veterans with Disabilities Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 32 (53.3%) | No votes: 27 (45%) | Yes: 0; No: 27 | Yes: 32; No: 0 |
Arizona Individual Income Tax Rate Reduction Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Remove Provision Requiring State Agencies to Set Fees Authorized by Statutes Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 17 (56.6%) | No votes: 11 (36.6%) | Yes: 0; No: 11 | Yes: 17; No: 0 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Signature Distribution Requirement for Initiatives Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 32 (53.3%) | No votes: 26 (43.3%) | Yes: 0; No: 26 | Yes: 32; No: 0 |
Arizona Municipal Transaction Privilege Tax on Sale of Food Items Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 37 (61.6%) | No votes: 21 (35%) | Yes: 5; No: 21 | Yes: 32; No: 0 |
Arizona Prohibit Photo Enforcement Systems for Speeding or Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Four-Year Terms for Mine Inspector Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 23 (76.6%) | No votes: 4 (13.3%) | Yes: 7; No: 4 | Yes: 16; No: 0 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona State Census and Redistricting Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 16 (53.3%) | No votes: 11 (36.6%) | Yes: 0; No: 11 | Yes: 16; No: 0 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Approval of State Trust Land Exchange Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 16 (53.3%) | No votes: 10 (33.3%) | Yes: 0; No: 9 | Yes: 16; No: 1 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Require 95% of Votes to Be Tallied Within One Day After Election Day Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 17 (56.6%) | No votes: 9 (30%) | Yes: 0; No: 9 | Yes: 17; No: 0 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Salaries of State Legislators Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 16 | Yes votes: 22 (73.3%) | No votes: 5 (16.6%) | Yes: 11; No: 0 | Yes: 11; No: 5 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
Arizona Exclude Traffic Violations from Legislative Immunity Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 37 (61.6%) | No votes: 20 (33.3%) | Yes: 17; No: 9 | Yes: 20; No: 11 |
Arizona 60% Vote Requirement to Approve Constitutional Amendments Amendment | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
House: | Required: 30 | Yes votes: 31 (51.6%) | No votes: 26 (43.3%) | Yes: 0; No: 26 | Yes: 31; No: 0 |
Arizona Permanent School Fund Measure | Democrats | Republicans | |||
Senate: | Required: 15 | Yes votes: 16 (55.1%) | No votes: 11 (37.9%) | Yes: 0; No: 10 | Yes: 16; No: 1 |
House: | Required: | Yes votes: (%) | No votes: (%) | Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No: |
2025 measures:
Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2025 ballot by the legislature or that have made it approximately halfway through the process in the legislature for referral to the ballot in 2025.
- See also: 2025 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures have been certified for the ballot.
No measures to list
Potential:
- The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2025.
No measures to list
See also
Elections | Arizona State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics |
---|---|---|---|
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Arizona State Senate, "Senate Rules," accessed February 8, 2021
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
- ↑ Arizona Revised Statutes, "41-1101, Section B," accessed February 8, 2021
- ↑ Arizona State Legislature, "2. Qualifications of members of legislature," accessed January 24, 2023
- ↑ Arizona State Legislature, "Arizona Election Laws & Publications," accessed June 7, 2017
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "Running for Legislative Office," accessed October 13, 2017
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2010 Senate Campaign Contributions," accessed April 23, 2015
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2008 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2006 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2004 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2002 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2000 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
- ↑ Arizona Attorney General, "Legislative Term Limits," accessed February 8, 2021
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Arizona Legislature, "Arizona Revised Statutes," accessed February 8, 2021 (Statute 41.1202 (A), Arizona Revised Statutes)
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Arizona Legislature, "Arizona Revised Statutes," accessed February 8, 2021 (Statute 41.1202 (B), Arizona Revised Statutes)
- ↑ Supreme Court of the United States, "Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, et al. - Appellant's Jurisdictional Statement," accessed March 6, 2015
- ↑ Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, "Home page," accessed March 6, 2015
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 All About Redistricting, "Arizona," accessed April 17, 2015
- ↑ Phone conversation with Valerie Neumann, AIRC executive assistant, Jan. 25, 2022]
- ↑ Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, "Official Maps," accessed Jan. 21, 2022
- ↑ Tucson Sentinel, "Arizona Redistricting Commission gives final certification to new election maps," Jan. 21, 2022
- ↑ Arizona Mirror, "Republicans hold the edge as Arizona redistricting nears completion," Dec. 17, 2021
- ↑ The Republic, "Ariz. panel's draft legislative map appears favorable for Republicans under initial measures," October 11, 2011
- ↑ The Republic, "Arizona redistricting panel to consider last-minute changes to congressional, legislative maps," January 13, 2012
- ↑ Ahwatukee Foothills News, "Redistricting commission finalizes Ariz. political maps," January 23, 2012
- ↑ Arizona Republic, "U.S. Justice Department signs off on Arizona district maps," April 26, 2012
- ↑ Arizona Republic, "Questions hang over the budget, major bills as Arizona Legislature makes quick exit," March 24, 2020
- ↑ KNAU, "Arizona Lawmakers Recess But Continue Receiving Per Diem Pay," April 13, 2020
- ↑ AZ Central, "Arizona House of Representatives reconvenes, but Senate's absence raises a question: Will this matter?" May 19, 2020
- ↑ MultiState, "2020 Legislative Session Dates," accessed May 26, 2020
- ↑ Arizona State Legislature, "Statement from Senator Driggs on education funding plan," accessed October 30, 2015
- ↑ AZ Ed News, "Arizona legislators on the budget, education funding and standards," December 1, 2014
- ↑ news.azpm.org, "Education, CPS Issues Expected to Top 2014 Legislative Session," January 13, 2014
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 KSWT.com, "Arizona Legislature rejected controversial bills," April 28, 2014
- ↑ Cronkite News, "Brewer, top legislators: Education, businesses priorities for session," January 11, 2013
- ↑ ncsl.org, "Session schedules," accessed April 30, 2012
- ↑ tucsonnewsnow.com, "Arizona Legislature ends session after an all-nighter," accessed April 21, 2015
- ↑ tucsonnewsnow.com, "Arizona governor calls special session on economy," accessed April 21, 2015
- ↑ Bloomberg Businessweek, "Ariz. Gov won't seek session without bill backing," June 15, 2011
- ↑ Stateline.org, "States balance budgets with cuts, not taxes," June 15, 2011(Archived)
- ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "The Veto Process," accessed June 22, 2017
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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