Initiative, referendum, and recall are three powers reserved to enable the voters, by petition, to propose or repeal legislation or to remove an elected official from office.
Proponents of an initiative, referendum, or recall effort must apply for an official petition serial number from the
Town Clerk. State law requires that, prior to initiating any political activities, proponents must file a political committee statement of organization with the Town Clerk.
Information and forms related to special elections are available at the Clerk's Office. For further information or to schedule an appointment to pick up an information packet, please call (480) 348-3610.
Informational pamphlets on the laws governing special elections are available for download. You are encouraged to thoroughly review the statutes and forms with your legal advisor prior to submitting them to the Clerk's Office.
Initiative
Initiative is the power to propose new legislation. To place an initiative on the ballot, petitions must be filed with a specified number of signatures.
Referendum
Referendum is the power to reject or overturn legislative actions taken by the Council. If a petition with the required number of valid signatures is filed within 30 days after the Council action, the ordinance is suspended from becoming effective pending the outcome of the election.
Recall
Recall is the power to remove an elected official from office. If a petition with the required number of valid signatures is filed, the officer may resign or run for retention at a special election.