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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
bond elections; schools; polling places
Purpose
Prohibits a public school in a school district with a bond or override election on the ballot from being used as a polling place, with exceptions.
Background
A school district may conduct a mail ballot election. A school district governing board may hold: 1) an override election to exceed the revenue control limit; or 2) a bond election to raise monies for specified purposes (A.R.S §§ 15-481; 15-491; and 16-409).
The county board of supervisors (county BOS) must designate a polling place within each precinct before a general or special election. Upon request from the officer in charge of elections, public schools must provide sufficient space for use as a polling place for any city, county or state election. The principal of a public school may deny the request if the principal provides a written statement within two weeks after the request, indicating why the election cannot be held in the school, including if: 1) space is not available at the school; or 2) the safety or welfare of the children would be jeopardized (A.R.S. § 16-411).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Precludes a public school in a school district that has a bond election or override election on the ballot from the requirement that public schools must provide for space as a polling place when requested, unless other nearby government buildings are unavailable.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 26, 2024
AN/HS/cs