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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
campaign finance; state authority.
Purpose
Urges the U.S. Congress to affirm the authority of the states to govern their election procedures and enact policies regarding campaign finance and election interference.
Background
The Elections Clause in the U.S. Constitution provides each state legislature authority over congressional elections and allows the U.S. Congress to regulate the elections and override state election laws. The Tenth Amendment establishes the principle of federalism, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states, to the respective states. Arizona law governs the administration of Arizona elections, including requirements relating to voter registration, election deadlines, ballot processing, election procedures and campaign finance reports. The Secretary of State (SOS) is the Chief Election Officer of the state and administers the Elections Division. In accordance with Arizona law, the SOS must biennially issue the Arizona Elections Procedures Manual to provide for the maximum degree of correctness and uniformity in the election process (A.R.S. Title 16; U.S. Const., amend X and art. I, § 4, cl. I).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Urges the U.S. Congress to uphold the principles of federalism and be the proponents of appropriate action, including a constitutional amendment, that affirms the authority of the states to govern their election processes and establishes the ability of the states to enact policies regarding campaign finance and election influence.
2. Directs the SOS to transmit copies of the memorial to the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, the President and the Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate and each Member of Congress from Arizona.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 21, 2026
AN/TR/ci