Submitting Arguments For or Against a Ballot Measure

Guidelines for Submitting Arguments For or Against a Ballot Measure
(A.R.S. § 19-124)

Fee for Submitting an Argument
The fee for submitting an argument for or against a ballot measure is $100.00. The cost is reduced to $75.00 if the argument is submitted electronically (on CD or by email – Word documents only – no PDFs) along with the original paper copy. The Secretary of State recommends that every argument be submitted in electronic format to ensure accuracy during publication. Only check, cash, or money order will be acceptable methods of payment. Please make check or money order payable to "Arizona Secretary of State."

Filing Guidelines for Arguments

1. The argument must be 300 words or less. It cannot be accepted if it is longer than 300 words.

2. The argument must be written exactly how the filer wants it to appear in the pamphlet. The argument will be entered into the pamphlet verbatim; no grammatical or textual changes or corrections will be made to the document.

3. If the filer wants the ballot measure number (proposition number) that is assigned to the ballot measure to appear in their argument, they will need to include it. This will be counted towards the total word count.

4. The argument must contain the original signature of each signer (no faxed signatures). Each signature appearing with the argument must be notarized.

a. For arguments filed by an individual or individuals, the notarized signature of each individual is required.
b. For arguments filed by an organization or corporation (not a political committee), the notarized signature of at least two executive officers is required and the organization’s name must be identified.
c. For arguments filed by a political committee, the notarized signature of the committee’s chairman OR treasurer is required and the committee name must be identified.

5. The argument must include the name, address or post office box, city and telephone number of the person(s) signing. Only the name and city of the person(s) signing will appear in the publicity pamphlet.

6. Any person(s) may sign an argument that is paid for by a separate entity. An entity, separate from an individual signer(s), which pays for the submittal of an argument or is reimbursed for the payment of a submitted argument is considered to be the argument's sponsor. Sponsors must include the requirements from section 4 of these guidelines. All sponsors will be identified in the pamphlet.

For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s office at the number listed above.