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  • A mine and smelter in Globe
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #96-3603.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 96-3603

    1912


    Referendum: The state of Arizona and each municipal corporation within the state of Arizona shall have the right to engage in industrial pursuits.
    Article II, section 34

    Initiative: Women have the right to vote and to hold public office.
    Article VII, section 2

    Referendum: Reinstatement that judges are subject to recall, as are all public offices.
    Article VIII, section 1

    Referendum: School District Debt is limited to 10% of its property value.
    Article IX, section 8

    Referendum: The manner, method and mode of assessing, equalizing and levying taxes in the State of Arizona shall be such as may be prescribed by law.
    Article IX, section 11



    1912 Ballot Proposals

  • The legislature in session in the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #99-1219.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 99-1219

    1914


    Initiative: Initiative or referendum measures approved by majority vote cannot be repealed or amended by the governor or legislature.
    Article IV, part 1, section 1, subsection vi

    Initiative: Prohibition of the manufacture or introduction into the state of all intoxicating liquor.
    Article XXIII



    1914 Ballot Proposals

  • A pro-prohibition horse-drawn wagon in a parade in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #97-0955.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 97-0955

    1916


    Initiative: Prohibition of the possession, as well as the manufacture and introduction, of intoxicating liquor
    Article XXIV



    1916 Ballot Proposals

  • A farmer plowing agricultural land near Camelback Mountain in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #97-0820.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 97-0820

    1918


    Initiative: County population determines legislative representation in the lower house.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 1

    Initiative: The legislature is to adopt laws governing the sale or lease of the lands.
    Article X, section 10

    Initiative: No individual, corporation or association shall be allowed to purchase more than one hundred sixty acres of agricultural land or more than six hundred forty acres of grazing land.
    Article X, section 11



    1918 Ballot Proposals

  • The staff of the Arizona State Legislature in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #01-0105.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 01-0105

    1925


    Referendum: Workmen's compensation coverage is extended to public employees.
    Article XVIII, section 8



    1925 Ballot Proposals

  • Apache Indians herding cattle on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #96-3251.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 96-3251

    1927


    Referendum: The state may impose taxes on state land, but not on any lands or other property within an Indian reservation owned by any Indian.
    Article XX, Item V

    Referendum: Repealed Article XX, section 10, which had reserved to the United States all rights and powers to carry out the federal reclamation act of 1902 on water resource development.
    Article XX, section 10



    1927 Ballot Proposals

  • Sailors aboard the U.S.S. Arizona
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #01-4564.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 01-4564

    1928


    Referendum: Widows, soldiers, sailors, and army nurses are exempt from paying taxes on the first $2,000 of their property.
    Article IX, section 2



    1928 Ballot Proposals

  • Workers assembling modular cabins to be erected as homes and shelters for workers at Arizona Emergency Relief Administration camps
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #95-3903.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 95-3903

    1930


    Referendum: The salaries of all members of multimember bodies, such as courts, will be adjusted simultaneously, so as to equally compensate those who perform similar duties and hold similar authority.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 17

    Referendum: Questions upon bond issues or special assessments shall be submitted to the vote of real property tax payers, who shall also in all respects be qualified electors of the state, and of the political subdivision thereof affected by such question.
    Article VII, section 13

    Referendum: Public employment is limited to citizens or wards of the United States.
    Article XVIII, section 10



    1930 Ballot Proposals

  • Tivoli Club the day Prohibition ended, Prescott
    Source: Sharlot Hall Museum Library and Archives, Prescott, Arizona

    1932


    Initiative: An Amendment adjusting the apportionment of the legislature.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 1

    Initiative: Articles XXIII and XXIV, which prohibit the sale, travel, or ownership of alcoholic beverages, are repealed.



    1932 Ballot Proposals

  • The main building at the Arizona State Prison in Florence
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #97-4827.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 97-4827

    1933


    Referendum: Executions shall be administered by lethal gas.
    Article XXII, section 22



    1933 Ballot Proposals

  • A high school teacher at the Ganado Presbyterian Mission in Ganado
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #90-3334.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 90-3334

    1938


    Initiative: Legislators are not to hold public office, with the exception of the office of school trustee, or as a teacher or instructor in the public school system.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 5



    1938 Ballot Proposals

  • A steam shovel "soup dipping" in an irrigation channel on an Arizona Highway Department project
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #93-0534.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 93-0534

    1940


    Initiative: Vehicles that use Arizona highways are subject to be taxed by the state.
    Article IX, section 11

    Referendum: State lands may be leased for ten years for agricultural or grazing purposes, and for twenty years for mining purposes.
    Article X, section 3

    Initiative: Irrigation, power, electrical, agricultural improvement, drainage, and flood control districts, and tax levying public improvement districts . . . shall be political subdivisions of the state . . . but shall be exempt from the provisions of sections 7 and 8 of article IX.
    Article XIII, section 7



    1940 Ballot Proposals

  • Workers making mattresses at a factory in Pima County
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #98-4125.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 98-4125

    1946


    Referendum: Property of military personnel is further exempt from taxation.
    Article IX, section 2

    Initiative: No person shall be denied the opportunity to obtain or retain employment because of non-membership in a labor organization.
    Article XXV



    1946 Ballot Proposals

  • Arizona Governor Sidney Osborn working at his desk at the State Capitol in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #97-7785.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 97-7785

    1948


    Referendum: The governor may call a special session upon receiving a petition bearing the signatures of two-thirds of the members of each house.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 1

    Referendum: If the governor becomes unable to serve the duties of office, the secretary of state, if holding by election, shall succeed to the office of governor.
    Article V, section 6

    Referendum: "The style of process [of law] shall be 'The State of Arizona', and prosecutions shall be conducted in the name of the state and by its authority.”
    Article VI, section 25

    Referendum: City managers do not have to be qualified electors of the city, and may therefore be non-residents.
    Article VII, section 15



    1948 Ballot Proposals

  • A manufacturing facility in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #95-3030.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 95-3030

    1950


    Referendum: The legislature shall meet once a year, beginning on the second Monday of January.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 3

    Referendum: Manufacturing establishments are exempt from paying taxes on their inventories.
    Article IX, section 13

    Referendum: The legislature may lease state lands without advertising.
    Article X, section 3



    1950 Ballot Proposals

  • An aerial view of the Queen Creek Bridge on United States Highway 60 in Pinal County
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #93-1582.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 93-1582

    1952


    Referendum: Vehicle registration, licensing, use and fuel fees and taxes are to fund street and highway construction and maintenance.
    Article IX, section 14



    1952 Ballot Proposals

  • Arizona State Legislature in Session
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #01-2051.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 01-2051

    1953


    Referendum: On Senate Membership and Appointment
    Article IV, Part 2, section 1

    Referendum: The salary of the justices of the peace may change during their terms of office.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 17



    1953 Ballot Proposals

  • A liquor store on 4th St. in Benson
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #02-4429.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 02-4429

    1954


    Referendum: The introduction of intoxicating liquors for resale purposes into Indian country is prohibited within this state until July 1, 1957.
    Article XX, item iii



    1954 Ballot Proposals

  • Teacher Henry Howe with students at the Page Accommodation School
    Source: Northern Arizona University Cline Library - Arizona Memory Project, Why Arizona? Collection

    1956


    Referendum: The legislature may change or redefine the boundaries of the state, pending approval of the United States Congress.
    Article I, section 2

    Referendum: Any bank that is a member of the federal deposit insurance corporation is not liable for any amount of their stock "in addition to the amount already invested in such shares or stock."
    Article XIV, section 11

    Referendum: In the context of a teacher exchange program, a teacher who is not a citizen or ward of the United States may be employed by the state.
    Article XVIII, section 10



    1956 Ballot Proposals

  • The 23rd Arizona State Senate in the original Capitol Building in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #02-0115.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 02-0115

    1958


    Referendum: On the Salaries of legislators

    Referendum: Judges who have retired are permitted to serve.
    Article VI, section 26



    1958 Ballot Proposals

  • Glendale Community College Founding Faculty
    Source: Glendale Community College

    1960


    Initiative: Rewrites to all sections of Article VI. In section one, it adds a reference to an "integrated judicial department" of a supreme court, appellate courts, and a superior court. Section 2 expands the size of the supreme court from a minimum of three justices to a minimum of five justices, and specifies that the court many not decide a law is unconstitutional except when it is "sitting in banc." Section 3 adds that "the supreme court shall have administrative supervision over all the courts of the state." The fourth section stipulates that the "justices of the supreme court shall hold office for a regular term of six years."
    Article VI

    Referendum: In the context of "university or college faculty members", a person who is not a citizen or a ward of the United States may be employed by the state.
    Article XVIII, section 10



    1960 Ballot Proposals

  • A headline from the Arizona Republic during the Cuban Missile Crisis
    Source: Unknown

    1962


    Referendum: In the event of emergency situations caused by enemy attacks, the legislature will provide for the continuity of government.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 25

    Referendum: The legislature has the authority to prescribe voter qualifications for presidential electors.
    Article VII, section 2

    Referendum: If a vacancy occurs in the United States Senate or House of Representatives, there shall be primary and general elections as prescribed by law to provide for a representative in Congress.
    Article VII, section 17

    Initiative: The real estate industry has the broad power to draft and complete instruments incident to a sale, lease, or exchange of property, but it cannot charge for this service.
    Article XXVI



    1962 Ballot Proposals

  • An airplane for sale in Coolidge by Thompson Aviation
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #05-6910.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 05-6910

    1964


    Initiative: The inventory of wholesalers is exempt from taxation.
    Article IX, section 2

    Referendum: There will be a licensing tax on aircraft registered in Arizona, with the exception of commercial planes, the inventory of aircraft dealers, nonresidents who operate aircraft less than ninety days a year, aircraft that exists exclusively for state service.
    Article IX, section 15

    Referendum: The state board of education shall be composed of the following members: the superintendent of public instruction, the president of a state university or college, three lay members, a member of the state junior college board, a superintendent of a high school district, a classroom teacher and a county school superintendent.
    Article XI, section 3

    Initiative: The income derived from the investment of the permanent state school fund . . . shall be apportioned only for common and high school education in Arizona.
    Article XI, section 8

    Initiative: Each organized county of the state shall have the following elected officers: a sheriff, a county attorney, a recorder, a treasurer, an assessor, a superintendent of schools and at least three supervisors, each of whom shall be elected and hold his office for a term of four years . . .
    Article XII, section 3



    1964 Ballot Proposals

  • A mermaid emblem on a boat
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #02-9078.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 02-9078

    1966


    Referendum: Commencing January 1, 1967, all watercraft registered for operation in Arizona, excluding watercraft owned and operated for any commercial purpose, is exempt from ad valorem property taxes.
    Article IX, section 16



    1966 Ballot Proposals

  • Arizona Governor Wesley Bolin taking the oath of office during his inauguration at the Capitol building in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #95-1972.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 95-1972

    1968


    Referendum: Changes in the salary of the legislators.
    Article IV, Part 2 section 1

    Referendum: The terms for state-elected officers will be four years long.
    Article V, section 1

    Referendum: The office of the state auditor is abolished.
    Article V, sections 1, 6 & 9

    Referendum: Tax exemptions for veterans are slowly phased out.
    Article IX, section 2

    Referendum: Instituting of limitations on tax exemptions for widows.
    Article IX, section 2

    Referendum: Household goods are exempted from personal property tax.
    Article IX, section 2

    Referendum: Mobile homes "shall not be subject to the license tax imposed . . .but shall be subject to ad valorem property taxes."
    Article IX, section 11

    Referendum: The insurance department is no longer a part of the corporation commission.
    Article XIV, section 17; Article XV, section 5

    Referendum: The office of the state examiner is abolished.
    Article XXII, section 18



    1968 Ballot Proposals

  • An aerial view of downtown Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #01-6105.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 01-6105

    1970


    Referendum: Just compensation—secured by bond or paid into the state treasury—must be made before private property is taken or damaged.
    Article II, section 17

    Referendum: Persons who have committed felony offenses while already admitted to bail for a separate felony charge, will not be allowed on bail.
    Article II, section 22

    Referendum: On the compensation of elected state officials.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 1; Article V, section 13; Article VI, section 29; Article XV, section 18

    Referendum: Establishes a new constitutional mechanism for policing the conduct and performance of sitting judges.
    Article VI.I

    Referendum: The legislature has the authority to increase aid to the urban areas of the state.
    Article IX, section 14



    1970 Ballot Proposals

  • The new car trade show at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #96-4104.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 96-4104

    1972


    Referendum: "The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate." A jury's size will be determined by law, but no jury may have less than six people.
    Article II, section 23

    Referendum: On the composition of the Legislature
    Article IV, Part 2, section 1

    Referendum: A bill no longer requires one full reading.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 12

    Referendum: Prescribing jurisdiction of superior court in civil actions.
    Article VI, section 14; Article VI, section 22

    Referendum: Those who wish to hold public office must be "a qualified elector", and therefore must be residents.
    Article VII, section 15

    Referendum: Cities and towns may incur a larger amount of debt, and may acquire and develop spaces for recreation.
    Article IX, section 8

    Referendum: The legislature shall provide for the distribution of the proceeds from the vehicle tax to the state, counties, school districts, cities, and towns."
    Article IX, section 11

    Referendum: The child labor amendment now allows children less than sixteen years of age to work at night.
    Article XVIII, section 2



    1972 Ballot Proposals

  • The construction of the Executive building at the Arizona State Capitol
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records - Arizona Memory Project, Arizona Archives Historic Photographs Collection

    1974


    Initiative: Means of appointing judges changes from election to 'merit selection', Justices and judges must retire by the age of 70; no justice shall "hold any office in a political party or actively take part in any political campaign other than his own for his reelection or retention in office."
    Article VI, sections 3, 4, 12, 20, 28, 30, 35 through 40

    Referendum: The legislature has discretion as to the timing of a recall election.
    Article VIII, Part 1, section 3

    Referendum: A unified school district "may become indebted to an amount not exceeding twenty per cent of the taxable property of the school district."
    Article IX, section 8, item 1

    Referendum: Public service corporations now include profit-making sewage system operators.
    Article XV, section 2



    1974 Ballot Proposals

  • The Arizona State Senate meeting in its new chambers in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #02-0114.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 02-0114

    1976


    Referendum: The advice and consent of the senate must be given "in the manner prescribed by law" to certain commission appoints by the governor.
    Article VI, section 36

    Referendum: The legislature is given flexibility in the senate confirmation process by adding "in the manner prescribed by law" to the end of the amendment on the composition, appointment, term and vacancies of judicial conduct.
    Article VI.I section 1

    Referendum: State senate consent for gubernatorial appointments will be made "in the manner prescribed by law."
    Article XI, section 3

    Referendum: Senate confirmation of regents, rewritten to include all three of Arizona's universities.
    Article XI, section 5

    Referendum: "A director of the department of insurance shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate in the manner prescribed by law for a term which may be prescribed by law."
    Article XV, section 5



    1976 Ballot Proposals

  • The Legislative chamber in the Arizona State Capitol, Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #98-0040.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 98-0040

    1978


    Referendum: Limiting state expenditures and establishing regulations for state revenues.
    Article IX, section 17



    1978 Ballot Proposals

  • Construction of Bolin Memorial Park in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #02-0162.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 02-0162

    1980


    Referendum: Modifying tax exemptions
    Article IX, section 2

    Referendum: Widowers are exempt from paying certain taxes.
    Article IX, section 2.1

    Referendum: There are limited exemptions to property taxes for disabled persons.
    Article IX, section 2.2

    Referendum: The legislature may increase tax exemptions.
    Article IX, section 2.3

    Referendum: The amount of debt that cities and towns are allowed to incur is raised from 4% to 6% for the base debt; and from 10% to 15% for the county and school district debt, as well as to 20% for cities for "additional debt" for specific purposes. Unified school districts can incur 30% debt.
    Article IX, sections 8, 8.1

    Referendum: In the amendment limiting state expenditures from 1978, "state tax revenues" are broadened to be "state revenues", limiting state appropriations in any fiscal year to 7 percent.
    Article IX, section 17

    Referendum: Ad valorem taxes are limited on residential property to 1% of the property's full cash value.
    Article IX, section 18

    Referendum: More limits on the expenditures of local governments.
    Article IX, section 20

    Referendum: Limits on expenditures by school districts and community college districts.
    Article IX, section 21

    Referendum: The state treasurer may serve two consecutive terms.
    Article V, section 10 (Repealed in 1992)

    Referendum: Motor carriers and airlines are no longer considered "public service corporations."
    Article XV, sections 2 and 10

    Referendum: Workman's compensation: third parties and fellow employees may provide compensation to an injured worker. An injured worker may sue after the injury if there is evidence that the employer willfully endangers his employees.
    Article XVIII, section 8

    Referendum: Elected officials must "resign to run" for other office.
    Article XXII, section 18



    1980 Ballot Proposals

  • Life Line Ambulance
    Source: Life Line Ambulance Service Inc.

    1982


    Referendum: Persons who have been charged with a felony offense who pose a substantial threat to any other person in the community will not be released on bail.
    Article II, section 22

    Referendum: "The legislature may provide for the regulation of ambulances and ambulance services in this state in all matters relating to services provided, routes served, response times and charges."
    Article XXVII



    1982 Ballot Proposals

  • A high school band plays on the lawn of the Capitol, Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #97-6492.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 97-6492

    1986


    Referendum: Increase school district spending limits by 10%.
    Article IX, section 21



    1986 Ballot Proposals

  • Rose Mofford at an inauguration at the State Capitol, Phoenix,
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #97-6493.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 97-6493

    1988


    Referendum: A candidate for an executive office must win the majority of the votes to be elected.
    Article V, section 1

    Referendum: Removal of the clause that only men were eligible for state office
    Article V, section 2

    Referendum: Establish commission on judicial conduct
    Article VI.I, sections 1 through 5

    Initiative: "The English language is the official language of the state of Arizona [and is therefore] the language of the ballot, the public schools, and all government functions and actions."
    Article XXVIII



    1988 Ballot Proposals

  • Domestic Violence Memorial Bench, Arizona State Capitol
    Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety

    1990


    Initiative: A bill of rights for victims of a crime, such as the right to be informed of the status of the status of the convicted person, and to receive prompt restitution.
    Article II, section 2.1

    Referendum: The monetary jurisdiction limit is raised from $2,500 to $10,000 for justice of the peace courts.
    Article VI, section 32



    1990 Ballot Proposals

  • A mine in Bisbee
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #00-9695.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 00-9695

    1992


    Initiative: Term limits for elected officials: No senator or representative may serve more than four consecutive terms. The treasurer may no longer serve two consecutive terms. U.S. Senators from Arizona may not serve more than two consecutive terms, and U.S. representatives may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Corporation commissioners may not succeed themselves after they have served one half or more of a single six-year term.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 21; Article V, sections 1 and 10; Article VII, section 18; Article XV, section 1 and 19

    Referendum: Restore plurality election for state executive officers
    Article V, section 1; Article VII, section 7; Article VIII, Part 1, section 4

    Referendum: More public process for judicial appointments and evaluations
    Article VI, sections 12, 18, 30, 35-38, 40, 41, 42

    Initiative: Allow more frequent elections to adjust local government spending limits
    Article IX, section 20

    Initiative: Requires 2/3 vote to raise taxes
    Article IX, section 22

    Referendum: Allows counties with a population of 500,000 or more the opportunity to exercise "home rule" under a charter form of government.
    Article XII, sections 5-9

    Referendum: Mine inspectors will serve for a four-year term.
    Article XIX

    Referendum: Capital punishment will be conducted though lethal injection.
    Article XXII, section 22



    1992 Ballot Proposals

  • Photograph of a girl feeding chickens on a farm in Winslow (Ariz.)
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #98-0655.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 98-0655

    1994


    Referendum: A person who owns livestock, poultry, aquatic animals or honeybees is exempt from paying property taxes on the animals if the person is principally engaged in agriculture.
    Article IX, section 13



    1994 Ballot Proposals

  • A local business in Tucson
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #03-4358.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 03-4358

    1996


    Referendum: The Legislature will exempt from taxation the first $50,000 of "full cash value" of a taxpayer's "personal property" if it is used in agriculture or in a trade or business.
    Article IX, section 2

    Initiative: Juveniles who are 15 years of age or older and who are accused of murder, rape, armed robbery, or are chronic offenders will be prosecuted as adults.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 22; Article VI, section 15



    1996 Ballot Proposals

  • Inauguration of Governor Jane Hull, Secretary of State Betsey Bayless, Attorney General Janet Napolitano, State Treasurer Carol Springer, and Superintendant of Public Instruction Lisa Graham-Keegan at the Capitol in Phoenix.
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #99-9050.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 99-9050

    1998


    Referendum: The public retirement system shall be funded with contributions and investment earnings. Their assets are independent trust funds, and shall be invested and administered solely in the interests of members. Membership is a contractual relationship that shall not be hurt by any law, and benefits shall not be decreased or impaired.
    Article XXIX

    Referendum: The investment options for money in the trust funds of the state may be invested in equity securities as well as interest-bearing securities. The permanent trust funds will be managed by a Board of Investment under specified conditions.
    Article IX, section 7; Article X, section 7; Article IX, section 8

    Referendum: "The Legislature shall enact a direct primary election law, which shall provide for the nomination of candidates for all elective national, State, county, and city offices, and any person who is not registered under a specific party may vote in the primary election of any one of the political parties that is qualified for the ballot."
    Article VII, section 10

    Initiative: A ballot that is approved by the majority of the people may not be vetoed by the Governor and needs a three-fourths vote in order to be repealed by the legislature.
    Article IV, Part 1, section 1, item 6; Article IV, Part 1 section 1, item 14; Article IV, Part 1, section 1, item 15



    1998 Ballot Proposals

  • Legislative Districts, according to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission
    Source: Unknown

    2000


    Referendum: The language in the constitution referring to people with disabilities will be modernized. The minimum voting age is 18, and it is necessary to be a resident of Arizona for 29 days before voting.
    Article VII, sections 2 and 3; Article IX, section 2.2; Article XI, section 1;Article XVI, section 1; Article XXII, section 15

    Referendum: The Corporation Commission will now consist of five members and the term of office is four years. A member may only serve two consecutive terms in office and member must be out of office for at least one full term before being eligible to serve again.
    Article XV, section 1

    Referendum: The value of the primary residence of qualifying owners may remain at a fixed amount if the owner applies for a "property valuation protection option" with the county assessor and the owner meets specific requirements.
    Article IX, sections 1 and 18

    Referendum: The Legislature may exempt from property tax cemetery property that is set aside and used for human burials.
    Article IX, section 2

    Initiative: An appointed Redistricting Commission will redraw the boundaries for Arizona's legislative districts and Congressional Districts in a grid-like pattern across the state, in order to meet specific goals.
    Article IV, Part 2, section 1



    2000 Ballot Proposals

  • Saguaro High School in Scottsdale
    Source: Kuhl’s Electric Inc.

    2002


    Referendum: Necessary qualifications for the property valuation protection option.
    Article IX, section 18

    Referendum: Bail is prohibited for any person who is charged with a crime of sexual assault, molestation or sexual contact with a minor, if the court finds evident proof that the person committed the crime. 
    Article II, section 22

    Referendum: Specifying expenditure limits for school districts and community college districts.
    Article IX, section 21



    2002 Ballot Proposals

  • Money
    Source: Tracy O. on Flickr

    2004


    Referendum: If an initiative or referendum measure proposes a mandatory expenditure of state revenue, the measure must also designate an increased source of revenues sufficient to cover the entire costs of the measure.
    Article IX, section 23

    Referendum: A temporary justice of the peace must be an attorney and have the same qualifications as a justice of the peace, but does not have to reside in the precinct in which the justice will serve.
    Article VI, section 31

    Referendum: The State Board of Education must include a president or a chancellor of a community college to replace the state junior college board. The State Board will also include one additional public member and one owner or administrator of a charter school.
    Article XI, section 3



    2004 Ballot Proposals

  • Preserving Navajo language
    Source: As first appeared in Education Week, 2008. Reprinted with permission from the photographer, Christopher Powers, and EPE.

    2006


    Referendum: Bail is prohibited to any person who is charged with a serious felony if the person entered or remains in the United States illegally and the court finds proof that the person committed the crime is evident or the presumption that the person committed the crime is great.
    Article II, section 22

    Referendum: Unused taxing capacity is removed and each taxing entity's limit is reset to the actual tax levy of that county, city, town or community college district. The new levy limit will increase by 2% per year, plus any new construction.
    Article IX, section 19

    Referendum: A person who wins a civil lawsuit may not receive punitive damages if the person is present in this state in violation of federal immigration law related to improper entry.
    Article II, section 35

    Referendum: Representatives of the state or a local government are required to preserve, protect and enhance the role of English as the official language. State or local government may act in a language other than English only when required by federal law, in teaching languages, in preserving Native American languages, in actions to protect the public health and safety, to provide assistance to hearing impaired or illiterate persons, in informal translations among government officials and the public, or for tourism, commerce, and international trade.
    Article XXVIII

    Referendum: Incorporated cities and towns may include debt for the acquisition and development of public safety, law enforcement, fire and emergency facilities and streets and transportation facilities in the 20% debt limit, upon voter approval.
    Article IX, section 8



    2006 Ballot Proposals

  • Protestors against same sex marriage at the Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #05-8942.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 05-8942

    2008


    Initiative: The state or any county, city, town or other political subdivision of the state is prohibited from directly or indirectly imposing any new tax or on the sale, purchase, or transfer of any interest in real property.
    Article IX, section 24

    Referendum: "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."
    Article XXX



    2008 Ballot Proposals

  • Early ballots waiting to be processed.
    Source: KGUN9-TV Journal Broadcast Group - Tucson

    2010


    Referendum: People cannot be compelled to have Health insurance; they or their employers may forgo insurance, pay directly for health care, or obtain insurance from a private company.
    Article XXVII, section 2

    Referendum: Preferential treatment may not be given to, and there may not be any discrimination against, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.
    Article II, section 36

    Referendum: Voters have the right to vote by secret ballot when a local, state, or federal law permits or requires an election, designation, or authorization for employee representation.
    Article II section 37



    2010 Ballot Proposals

  • Photograph of a stream.
    Source: Arizona State Land Department. 2011-2012 Annual Report, Page 2. Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project.

    2012


    Referendum: Crime Victims Protection Act of 2012. A crime victim is not liable to a person who was harmed while attempting, committing, or fleeing from a felony.
    Article II, Section 31, Article XVIII, Section 6

    Referendum: Capped the annual increase in the value of real property used to calculate property taxes to 5% over the previous year’s value.
    Article IX, Section 18

    Referendum: The Enabling Act passed by Congress when Arizona became a state provided Arizona 10.9 million acres of state trust land to produce revenue for public institutions including schools, colleges, and prisons. The formula for the annual distribution of revenue was established in the State Constitution. The referendum changed the formula for fiscal years 2012/2013 through 2020/2021 to set a fixed distribution each year.
    Article X, Section 7

    Referendum: The Enabling Act passed by Congress when Arizona became a state provided Arizona with 10.9 million acres of state trust land to produce revenue for public institutions including schools, colleges, and prisons. The referendum added a new section to the State Constitution to allow the State to exchange state trust land for other public land if certain conditions are met, including voter approval.
    Article X, Section 12



    2012 Ballot Proposals

  • Photograph of the Arizona State flag.
    Source: Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #02-0636.
    Digital Copy available at the Arizona Memory Project. 02-0636

    2014


    Referendum: Confirmed that the state and federal government are subject to the United States Constitution. Established that Arizona may restrict its personnel and financial resources to purposes consistent with the U.S. Constitution.
    Article II, Section 3



    2014 Ballot Proposals

  • Cover of the 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Corrections Officer Retirement Plan
    Source: Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System

    2018


    Referendum: Replaced a permanent benefit increase with a new compounding cost-of-living adjustment for retired corrections officers hired before 7-1-2018 and their survivors.
    Article XXIX, Section 1

    Initiative: The Protect Arizona Taxpayers Act prohibited state and local governments from imposing a new or increasing an existing transaction-based fee or tax on any service performed in the state.
    Article IX, Section 6 and Section 25 and Article XIII, Section 2



    2018 Ballot Proposals


  • Source: Unknown

    2022


    Referendum: Required each initiative to embrace only a single subject that is expressed in the title of the measure. Any portion of an initiative that is not contained in the title is void.
    Article IV, Part 1, Section 1

    Referendum: Consolidated and clarified exemptions from property tax. The Legislature may set qualifications and limits on some exemptions.
    Article IX, Repealed Sections 2, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3. Added new Section 2

    Referendum: Created the office of Lieutenant Governor, who will run on the ticket with the candidate for Governor starting in 2026. The Lieutenant Governor serves in a position in Arizona government that the Governor is authorized by law to appoint. If the Governor dies, resigns, is removed from office, or is permanently unable to carry out the duties of Governor, the Lieutenant succeeds to the office of Governor. An additional amendment provided that the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General and Superintendent of Public Instruction may succeed to the office of Governor regardless of whether they were elected to their offices.
    Article V, Sections 1, 6, and 9

    Referendum: Approval by at least 60% of the votes cast required for any initiative, referendum, or constitutional amendment that proposes a tax to become law.
    Article IV, Part 1, Section 1 and Article XXI, Section 1



    2022 Ballot Proposals