Overview

The Attorney General has a defined role in Arizona’s elections as the chief law enforcer. Along with the Governor, the Attorney General has a key role in approving (or rejecting) the Elections Procedures Manual that serves as binding administrative rules for election offices. During elections, the Attorney General witnesses the statewide canvass of elected offices. The Attorney General also has the power to intervene in contested elections and to investigate and prosecute violations of election law.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Attorney General are:

1. Approving (or rejecting) [1] the Elections Procedures Manual (EPM) draft submitted by the Secretary of State every odd-numbered year preceding the general election no later than December 31. A.R.S. § 16-452(B).
2. Approving the content (heading, official title, descriptive title, and “yes/no” analysis drafted by the Secretary of State) of statewide initiatives and ballot measures. *2023 EPM* at 154, 155.
3. Witnessing the statewide canvass [2] of all offices. A.R.S. § 16-648(A) [3]; 2023 EPM at 252.
4. Intervening in a contested election and setting the court venue to Maricopa County, when they deem necessary. A.R.S. § 16-672(C).
5. Being served a summons [4] in the filing of an election contest for an initiative or referred measure, proposed constitutional amendment, or other proposition or question. A.R.S. § 16-675(A).
6. Investigating violations of the election law, including improper or illegal voter registrations. A.R.S. §§ 16-121.01(E), 143, 165(A)(10).
7. Enforcing the provisions of the election code through civil and criminal actions. A.R.S. § 16-1021.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• Current Officeholder: Kris Mayes (D)(1/2023–)
• **Elected: ****The Attorney General is elected by the voters of Arizona to a four-year term. A.R.S. Const. Art. V, § 1(B).
• Term of Office: The Attorney General may serve up to two consecutive terms and is then eligible to run again after a break of one full term. A.R.S. Const. Art. V, § 1(A).
• Next Election: The next election for Attorney General is Tuesday November 3, 2026.
• Qualifications: To be eligible to serve as Attorney General, one must be at least 25 years old, have been an American citizen for 10 years preceding the election, and have been an Arizona citizen for five years preceding the election. A.R.S. Const. Art. V, § 2. The Attorney General must also have been a practicing attorney in the state for five years before taking office. A.R.S. § 41-191.
• Vacancy: **The Governor fills the vacancy for the period before the next general election. They must appoint a person of the same political party as the person vacating the office. A.R.S. Const. Art. V, § 8; A.R.S. § 16-230(A)(1).