En Espanol: Iniciativa, referendum and retiros

Applications, a blank master petition, and all associated documentation for an Initiative, Referendum or Recall are available upon request from the Town Clerk’s Office. Interested parties need to schedule an appointment with Chaveli Herrera, Town Clerk, if they are interested in receiving this documentation.  You will be provided with a master hardcopy, as well as a digital copy. 

Individuals are encouraged to review all election materials and laws with their individual attorneys to ensure compliance with current legal requirements. While the Town Clerk’s Office will assist with procedural questions related to election filings, Town Clerk's Office staff cannot render legal, financial or other professional advice.

The Secretary of State produces an Initiative and Referendum Guide which contains useful information on the process of filing an initiative or referendum. At this time there is not a current guide on recalls.

Signature Requirements effective as of the July 30, 2024, Election

• Initiative – 24,506; 15% of the registered voters (163,370) at the July 30, 2024 election
• Referendum – 11,770; 10% of the total votes cast (117,704) at the last municipal election where Mayor or Council were chosen.
• Recall – Mayor – 10,863; 25% of votes cast for all candidates for the office (43,450) at the last preceding election where that office was on the ballot. (Morrissey v. Garner, et. al. Gila County Superior Court, October 2019)
• Recall – Council -9,282; 25% of votes cast for all candidates for the office (74,254) divided by the number of seats (2) at the last preceding election where that office was on the ballot. 

Filing Deadlines

Petitions must be filed in accordance with the Arizona Constitution and Arizona Revised Statutes.

• Initiative – Petitions cannot be circulated for signatures more than twenty-four (24) months preceding the election at which the measure is proposed to be voted on and petitions must be filed no later than four (4) months preceding the election at which the measure is proposed to be voted on.
• Referendum – Petitions must be filed within thirty (30) days after passage of the ordinance, resolution or franchise.
• Recall – Petitions must be filed no later than 120 days from the date of submission of the application for recall petition.