Overview

Duties

Selection and Vacancy

Overview

The Governor has a defined role in Arizona’s elections. At a high level, this includes setting administrative policy around elections and signing new legislation into law. A.R.S. § 16-452. The Governor has a key role in approving (or rejecting) the Elections Procedures Manual that serves as binding administrative rules for election offices. A.R.S. § 16-452(B). During elections, the Governor witnesses the statewide canvass and declares the results of ballot initiatives. A.R.S. §§ 16-651, 665(B)(1); 2023 EPM at 246, 257. The Governor also has the power to fill various vacancies in state and judicial offices. A.R.S. §§ 16-222(C), 230(A)(1); A.R.S. Const. Art. VI, § 12(B).

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Governor are:

  1. Approving (or rejecting) the Elections Procedures Manual 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. Witnessing the statewide canvass [1] of all offices and proposed constitutional amendments and initiated or referred measures. A.R.S. § 16-648(A)(B) [2]; 2023 EPM at 252.
  3. Receiving the certified results of all proposed constitutional amendments and referred measures from the Secretary of State. A.R.S. § 16-648(B); 2023 EPM at 253.
  4. Issuing a proclamation of votes, upon completion of the canvass by the Secretary of State, declaring the results for constitutional amendments, initiatives, referenda, and ballot measures, and those passed by a majority to be the law of the state. A.R.S. §§ 16-651, 665(B)(1); 2023 EPM at 246, 257.
  5. Performing oversight duties during the recount of the Secretary of State [3] race. A.R.S. § 16-664(B); 2023 EPM at 255.
  6. 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).
  7. Calling a special election within 72 hours after a vacancy occurs in the U.S. House of Representatives if it occurs more than six months before the next general election. A.R.S. § 16-221, 222(B), 223(A)(B).
  8. Filling a vacant U.S. Senate seat or state office (for the period before the next general election) by appointing a person of the same political party as the person vacating the office. A.R.S. §§ 16-222(C), 230(A)(1).
  9. Filling vacant Superior Court judge seats (for the period before the next general election). A.R.S. Const. Art. VI, § 12(B).
  10. ******Appointing Supreme Court Justices from a list of at least three qualified individuals recommended by the Commission of Appellate Court Appointments. A.R.S. Const. Art. VI, § 37.
  11. Appointing Superior Court judges in Coconino, Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal Counties, based upon merit [5] and the recommendation of a nominating commission. "AZ Courts FAQs."

Selection and Vacancy Information