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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
new political parties; party name
Purpose
An emergency measure that requires the name of a political party to be distinguishable from all other existing political parties and prohibits the new name from containing specified words or phrases.
Background
Statute prescribes the form, contents and layout of primary and general election ballots, including the placement of candidates in columns by political party and the printing of a party designation next to each candidate's name on the partisan ballot. Political parties are ordered on the ballot based on votes cast for Governor at the most recent general election and the parties that did not have candidates on the prior ballot are listed alphabetically below recognized parties.
Statute allows a new political party to become eligible for recognition and ballot representation by filing a petition with the Secretary of State (SOS), or with the appropriate county or municipal elections officer, that is signed by the required number of qualified electors, certified by election officials and reviewed using a random sampling and signature verification process when applicable. Upon recognition, a new political party is entitled to representation on the official ballot for specified elections and election officials administer ballots and party columns according to exiting statutory procedures (A.R.S. §§ 16-462; 16-502; 16-801; and 16-802).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires a petition for recognition of a new political party to include a proposed party name that is distinguishable from existing recognized political parties.
2. Prohibits a new political party from using certain terms or phrases in its party name, including independent, no party, no preference, unaffiliated, party not designated, decline to state or any similar variations.
3. Requires election officials to recognize a political party by the name listed on its petition for political party recognition for all election administration purposes.
4. Requires political parties that are not in compliance with political party naming requirements to come into compliance within 10 days of the effective date.
5. Requires the SOS to provide notice of these requirements within five days of the effective date.
6. Contains a statement of legislative intent.
7. Contains a severability clause.
8. Becomes effective on signature of the Governor, if the emergency clause is enacted, retroactive to January 1, 2025.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Adds a severability clause.
Senate Action
JUDE 2/20/26 DPA 7-0-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 23, 2026
ZD/MY/ci