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HCM 2010

constitutional amendment; U.S. senators; repeal

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Khyl Powell

Arizona proposes constitutional amendment eliminating direct election of U.S. Senators, returning appointment power to state legislatures instead of voters.

House First Reading.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCM 2010

Legislative bill overview

HCM 2010 is a constitutional amendment resolution introduced in Arizona that proposes to repeal the direct election of U.S. Senators. If passed by the Arizona legislature and approved by voters, this would restore the pre-17th Amendment system where state legislatures appointed senators rather than voters electing them directly.

Why is this important

This directly challenges over a century of democratic practice. The 17th Amendment (ratified in 1913) fundamentally shifted power from state legislatures to voters. Reversing it would require constitutional amendment at the federal level, making this largely symbolic unless multiple states pursue similar measures simultaneously.

Potential points of contention

  • Democratic representation: Repealing direct election removes voting power from citizens to choose their senators, concentrating power among state lawmakers instead
  • Federalism debate: Reflects disagreement over whether state legislatures or voters should control Senate composition; proponents argue this strengthens state power while critics view it as undemocratic
  • Practical feasibility: Requires passage by Arizona legislature, voter approval in Arizona, AND ratification by three-fourths of all state legislatures—an extraordinarily high threshold making passage exceptionally unlikely without broad national support

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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