Initiative, Referendum and Recall

This material is provided as a guide to the initiative, referendum, and recall processes. A person or organization seeking to initiate a referendum, initiative, or recall petition is responsible for complying with all legal and procedural requirements. The assistance of a qualified attorney may be necessary or helpful in complying with these requirements.

Initiative
Initiative is the power to propose new legislation. To place an initiative on the ballot, the circulating committee must submit a certain required minimum number of valid signatures to the City Clerk's Office.

Referendum
Referendum is the power to reject or overturn legislative actions taken by the Scottsdale City Council. A referendum petition with a certain required minimum number of valid signatures must be 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. Recall petitions may not be circulated against an officer until the officer has served 6 (six) months of his or her first term (Arizona State Constitution, Article VIII, Part 1, Section 5).

Initiative and Referendum Signature Requirements:

Mayor recall petition requirements:

City Council recall petition requirements: