Overview

The Arizona State Legislature is bicameral, with the Arizona Senate as the upper house and the Arizona House of Representatives as the lower body. The legislature’s primary duty is to pass legislation, including considering and investigating changes to Arizona election law.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Arizona State Legislature are:

1. Making and amending election law through legislation. A.R.S. Const. Art. IV, Pt. 1, § 1(1).
2. Referring ballot measures, whether initiated by voters or by the legislature, to voters for approval or rejection. A.R.S. Const. Art. IV, Pt. 1, §§ 1(2)–(15).
3. (President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives) Receiving the Secretary of State’s election officer education, training, and certification plan on or before December 31 of a general election year. A.R.S. § 16-407(D).

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Elected: ****The members of the Arizona State Legislature are elected by the voters of Arizona. A.R.S. Const. Art. V, § 1(B). The Senate is composed of 30 members, one elected from each of the 30 legislative districts. The House of Representatives is composed of 60 members, with the two candidates with the most votes elected from each of the 30 legislative districts. A.R.S. Const. Art. IV, Pt. 2, § 1.
• Term of Office: State Legislators serve two-year terms. All Legislators are limited to four consecutive terms, or eight years, but are then eligible to run again after a break of one full term. A.R.S. Const. Art. IV, Pt. 2, § 21.
• Next Election: The next Arizona legislative election is Tuesday November 5, 2024. The Arizona State Legislature is reelected every two years during the general election.
• Qualifications: To be eligible to serve as a member of the Arizona State Legislature, one must be at least 25 years old, be an American citizen at the time of the election, have been an Arizona resident for three years preceding the election, and have been a resident of the county for one year preceding the election. A.R.S. Const. Art. IV, Pt. 2, § 2.
• Vacancy: **Legislative vacancies from the two major parties are filled by the Board of Supervisors of the county of residence of the person vacating the position. The Board of Supervisors must appoint one of three nominees chosen by the state party representing the person vacating the position. A.R.S. § 41-1202(A).