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HB 2789

nominating petitions; in lieu fee

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Lupe Diaz

HB 2789 lets Arizona candidates pay a fee instead of collecting voter signatures to access ballots, potentially expanding candidacy access while raising concerns about wealth-based barriers.

House Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2789

Legislative bill overview

HB 2789 allows candidates to submit a fee in lieu of collecting nominating petitions to appear on Arizona ballots. This would eliminate or reduce the requirement for candidates to gather signatures from registered voters, replacing it with a monetary payment to election officials.

Why is this important

Nominating petition requirements create significant barriers to ballot access, particularly for candidates with fewer resources or smaller networks. This change could democratize candidacy by reducing the organizational burden, though it raises questions about whether monetary fees create different barriers based on candidate wealth.

Potential points of contention

  • Ballot access equity: Critics may argue that fee-based systems favor wealthy candidates who can afford payments, while supporters contend that signature requirements already favor well-connected candidates with volunteer networks
  • Ballot crowding: Opponents may worry that lowering barriers increases frivolous candidacies and voter confusion on ballots, while proponents argue more candidates means more voter choice
  • Fee structure: The bill's specific fee amount (not detailed in available information) will be contentious—too low risks ballot crowding, too high recreates the resource barrier problem

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

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