How do propositions get on the ballot?
The Arizona State Constitution allows voters or the state legislature to propose new laws by placing them on the ballot for a vote. Here are the different ways a proposition can make it to the ballot.
Ballot initiatives
Ballot initiatives are voter-proposed laws or constitutional amendments. To qualify for the ballot in 2024, an initiative needs 383,923 signatures for a constitutional amendment, and 255,949 for a law.
In Arizona, the ballot initiative process has been a source of positive change — the legalization of medical marijuana, the minimum wage increase, and legalization of recreational marijuana use, have all been approved by voter initiatives in recent years.
Ballot Referendums
Ballot referendums are measures referred to the public for a vote by the state legislature. They need only a majority vote of the legislature to be placed on the ballot. Ballot referendums are also frequently referred to as “ballot referrals” or “legislative referrals.”
Ballot Referendum Petitions
Ballot referendum petitions are voter challenges to laws imposed by the state. In 2024, they need 127,975 signatures to qualify for the ballot.
What does the proposition number mean?
Before a ballot initiative, ballot referendum, or ballot referendum petition is placed on the ballot, it is assigned a proposition number by the Secretary of State. The first number of the three-digit proposition number designates the type of proposal it is.
Propositions beginning with “1”
Propositions with a number in the 100’s are constitutional amendments. Proposed constitutional amendments must always be sent to voters for consideration, but can be proposed through a voter-initiated petition (ballot initiative) or by the legislature (ballot referendum).
Propositions beginning with a “2”
Propositions with a number in the 200’s are changes to Arizona law that were proposed through a ballot initiative.
Propositions beginning with a “3”
Propositions with a number in the 300’s are ballot referendums – voter-initiated repeals of Arizona laws passed by the legislature. There are no ballot referendums on the 2024 ballot.
Propositions beginning with a “4”
Propositions with a number in the 400’s are related to budget issues, such as bonds, overrides, and local sales taxes in counties and municipalities
